On April 30, 1983, at the New Hanover County Democratic Convention in Wilmington, North Carolina, Mr. William Hobbs presented a resolution recognizing Democratic Party Chairperson Gleason Allen and honoring his wife, Mrs. Nellie, alongside Mrs. Ollie Telfair and others for their dedication and support to the Party. This act of recognition inspired the creation of the Democratic Unity Banquet.

Mr. E.B. Davis, Sr., elected as Third Vice Chair at the convention and serving as the chief fundraiser, believed an awards banquet to honor party workers and foster unity would also be an effective way to raise funds. With these goals in mind, the Democratic Unity Banquet was established. Supporting this initiative were the newly elected officers of the New Hanover County Democratic Party: William G. Smith, Chairperson; Jean De Bell O’Neal, First Vice Chair; Theresa R. Williams, Second Vice Chair; E.B. Davis, Sr., Third Vice Chair; Marsha Harris, Secretary; and Robert Shields, Treasurer.

The first Democratic Unity Banquet was held on June 29, 1984, at the International Longshoremen’s Hall in Wilmington, North Carolina. The keynote speaker was Mr. David E. Price, North Carolina Democratic Party Chairman.

Mr. E.B. Davis, Sr. served as the Democratic Party Chairperson of the Wilmington 29 precinct until 2017. At the 2022 Unity Banquet, he was awarded the New Hanover County Democratic Party’s “Lifetime Achievement Award.”