Cheryl Davis, who leads the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, was arrested for allegedly misusing taxpayer funds. Reports indicate she directed money through nonprofit partners to pay for celebrity events and also spent thousands promoting herself and her acquaintances, based on an affidavit.
Davis was taken into custody on Monday for her ongoing “self-dealing” while overseeing the Dream Keeper Initiative, which was launched to support Black residents following George Floyd’s police-related death in 2020. She earned an annual salary of $350,000 as the human rights commissioner, yet reportedly used her partner’s nonprofit, Collective Impact, to cover expenses for celebrity appearances and even her own children’s book, *Free to Sing*.
Prosecutors claim Davis often shared costs for lavish dinners, musical performances, and other indulgences with nonprofit organizations. For instance, in May 2023, the Human Rights Commission paid Sonya Curry, the mother of Warriors player Stephen Curry, a $10,000 speaking fee and booked a post-event party for $4,810.50 at a San Francisco restaurant owned by Ayesha Curry and chef Michael Mina.
The event, titled “Fierce Love & Joy,” was presented as a significant dialogue focused on providing a “safe space for young individuals.” It featured appearances by Curry, educator Dee-1, and activist Areva Martin.
Davis also directed Collective Impact to purchase Curry’s memoir, *Tough Love: A Memoir of Family, Faith, and Purpose*, billing another city department over $5,500 for the acquisition. Since 2021, Collective Impact has received around $8.5 million in grants from the Dream Keeper Initiative and reportedly provided over $30,000 for various events, including $5,000 for Davis’ book launch party in January 2023.
Davis arranged for the sale of 1,500 copies of her book to the San Francisco Public Library and was expected to earn up to $100,000 in book sales from her publisher in 2024. The Human Rights Commission also spent at least $6,000 on public relations to promote her book and shipped over 205 pounds of unspecified materials to a hotel during the Essence Cultural Festival.
The nonprofit engaged numerous performers for its events, compensating R&B singer Ledisi with a $5,000 fee, rapper D-Nice around $25,000, and singer Emily King over $25,000 in appearance and accommodation fees. Other events included a $20,539 banquet with journalist Nicole Hannah-Jones and a $5,000 venue charge at International Smoke in October 2022.
Additionally, Davis stands accused of utilizing public money for VIP event tickets, first-class upgrades, and even her son’s tuition at UCLA.
She signed a contract worth more than $3.5 million with a nonprofit called the Homeless Children Network, which allegedly included a $140,000 payment to her son for “contract investigation” work.
Prosecutors summarized that Davis misappropriated city funds for personal or others’ benefit. She is facing multiple felony charges, including embezzlement of public funds.
The affidavit further points out other instances of questionable spending, stating, “For instance, she financed event sponsorships unrelated to the HRC and covered someone’s rent with HRC funds.” Moreover, she often employed a branding firm to elevate her public image as a writer.
Davis resigned from the commission in 2024 amid the allegations. Since then, the department has appointed new leadership and initiated reforms aimed at minimizing conflicts of interest. Last year, Mayor Daniel Lurie suggested merging the Human Rights Commission with the troubled Department of the Status of Women to create the proposed Human Rights Agency.
