Alvin Joseph Downing (1916–2000) was the founder of the Al Downing Tampa Bay Jazz Association. An influential jazz musician and teacher, Downing made significant contributions to the African-American jazz community in Florida. He became the first African-American Commissioner of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority in Florida, as well as the first African American to play in the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.[1]
- ^ "Housing Board Has First Negro Commissioner". Evening Independent. February 1966. Retrieved April 12, 2013.