Issac Davis embodies the true spirit of an upstander by transforming profound personal loss into purposeful action that is saving lives and strengthening his community. In 2023, Issac’s 11-year-old son, Domonic, was tragically killed in a drive-by shooting while playing in a West End park. Faced with unimaginable grief, Issac chose not to turn inward, but to stand up for his community and fight for change.
A barber by trade, Issac has turned his chair into a place of connection, mentorship, and prevention. Through his #forever11 initiative, he provides free haircuts to young people while creating a safe space for honest conversations about violence, choices, and community responsibility. In these moments, he is not only offering a service, but building trust, guidance, and hope for the next generation.
Issac’s advocacy extends beyond individual impact to systemic change. Determined to make neighborhoods safer, he has successfully lobbied City Council to expand the West End’s camera system, working to create safer communities and honor his son’s legacy through meaningful change.
What defines Issac is his courage to act in the face of tragedy. He has taken his deepest pain and turned it into a mission to protect others, ensuring that no family has to endure what his has experienced.
Issac Davis is not only honoring his son’s legacy. He is building a safer, more compassionate future for his community, one life at a time.
Join us in celebrating Issac at our Cohen Family Upstander Gala on June 14th, reserve your spot today!
Cohen Family Upstander Month is generously supported by Duke Energy, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Mayerson Family Foundation.
