Mildred Davenport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mildred Davenport
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| Born | November 12, 1900 Roxbury, Massachusetts
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| Died | 1990 (aged 89–90) Boston, Massachusetts
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Dancer, Educator |
Mildred Davenport (born November 12, 1900, died 1990) was an amazing African-American dancer and teacher. She performed on Broadway, which is a famous theater district in New York City. Mildred was also the first African-American woman to dance with the Boston Pops orchestra. This was a very important achievement!
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Mildred Davenport's Early Life and Education
Mildred Davenport was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts. Her parents were Mary and Samuel Davenport. Her father worked as a Pullman porter, helping train passengers.
Mildred went to Boston Girls' High School and finished in 1918. After high school, she studied at the Sargent School for Physical Culture. This school was part of Boston University. She also learned dance from a famous teacher named Ted Shawn.
Opening Her Own Dance Schools
In the 1920s, Mildred started her very first dance school. It was called the Davenport School of Dance. She taught there for ten years.
In 1932, she opened her second dance school. It was named the Silver Box Studio. This studio was located at 522 Columbus Avenue in Boston.
Performing on Broadway and with the Boston Pops
In the 1930s, Mildred performed in many musicals and revues on Broadway. Some of these shows included Blackbirds and Flying Colors.
At that time, it was rare for African-American and white performers to dance together. But Mildred danced with stars like Imogene Coca and Clifton Webb. In 1938, she danced interpretations of spirituals with the Boston Pops orchestra. This made her the first African-American woman to perform with the Boston Pops. She also toured the East Coast for five years in a show called Chocolate Review.
Service During World War II
During World War II, Mildred Davenport joined the Women's Auxiliary Army Corps. She was one of the first black women to enlist. She rose through the ranks from first lieutenant to captain during the war.
Work After the War and Awards
After the war, Mildred worked for the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. She worked there for two decades, from 1947 to 1968. She also served on the board of directors for the Boston branch of the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works for civil rights.
In 1973, Mildred Davenport received the Sojourner Truth Award. This award came from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs.
Mildred Davenport passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1990. Her papers, photos, and dance programs are kept at UC Irvine's Special Collections and Archives.
