Ever heard of a woman who broke barriers and inspired generations? That’s Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings. Here before the Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings Plaque, we celebrate her remarkable life. It’s a story of education, arts and unwavering dedication.
Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings was born Myra Lillian Davis in Gonzales Texas on August 30 1895. She later died on December 8 1968 in San Antonio. Her parents were Henry and Susan Davis. In 1909, she graduated from Riverside High School in San Antonio.
Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings attended Howard University. There she became president of the Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha in 1912. A divide grew between the on-campus women and off-campus members. Davis led the charge to reorganize Alpha Kappa Alpha. On January 13, 1913, it became Delta Sigma Theta. Davis was elected president of Delta Sigma Theta.
In 1913, Hemmings graduated from Howard University. She earned her Master of Arts degree in speech from Northwestern University in 1947.
After graduating Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings taught in San Antonio. That was in 1913. She taught for fifty-one years. Hemmings directed plays at the Carver Community Cultural Center.
Hemmings also excelled in theater. She directed productions for the San Antonio Negro Little Theater. With her husband, John W. Hemmings, she formed the Phyllis Wheatley Dramatic Guild Players.
As an actress Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings appeared in three films. She starred in the 1941 film Go Down Death The Story of Jesus and the Devil. She played Sister Caroline. Hemmings co-produced and co-directed the film. She acted in the 1943 film Marching On. She also appeared in Girl in Room 20 in 1946.
In 1922 Myra Lillian Davis married John W. Hemmings. He was a former Broadway actor.
Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings became vice-president of Delta Sigma Theta in 1933. She served as the organization’s historian in 1948. She was a member of the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women. She also belonged to the Alpha Phi Literary Society.
The Dramatic Theatre Guild was renamed the Myra Davis Hemmings Memorial Theatre Guild after her death. In 1986, the San Antonio alumnae chapter of Delta Sigma Theta sorority resource center was named after her. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. created the Myra Davis Hemmings Scholarship. It supports the study of performance or creative arts.
Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings’ impact resonates today. Her dedication to education and the arts enriched San Antonio. This plaque stands as a reminder of her enduring legacy. It is a testament to her contributions to the community. Remember Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings’ name. She was a true pioneer.