The Davis-Dunnings Bar Association (formerly known as the Lansing Black Lawyers Association) was founded in 1981. Leading the initial formation were the Honorable Clinton Canady III and the Honorable Hugh B. Clarke Jr., who along with several other African-American attorneys in the Lansing area, adopted the Association’s initial bylaws. Davis-Dunnings Bar Association was formally incorporated in 1983. Davis-Dunnings Bar Association is considered a special purpose bar association by the State Bar of Michigan. It was formed to provide support to African-American attorneys in Mid-Michigan by providing them with networking and professional development opportunities. At the time Davis-Dunnings Bar Association was formed, it was the only local bar association outside of Detroit formed to address the needs of African-American attorneys.