Myra Hemmings facts for kids

Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings (born August 30, 1895 – died December 8, 1968) was an American actress and teacher. She was also a very important founder of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.

Early Life and College Years

Myra Hemmings was born in Gonzales, Texas. Her parents were Henry and Susan Davis. In 1909, she finished high school in San Antonio, Texas.

She then went to Howard University in Washington, D.C.. In 1912, Myra joined the Alpha chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha. She was even chosen as its president. However, Myra and other students wanted their sorority to focus more on helping the community. They felt the sorority was too focused on social events.

Because of this, Myra and 21 other students decided to form a new group. They wanted an organization dedicated to public service. This new group became Delta Sigma Theta. Myra was named the first president of Delta Sigma Theta's Alpha chapter. She graduated from Howard University in 1913.

After college, Myra started teaching in San Antonio, Texas, in 1913. In 1922, she married John W. Hemmings. He was an actor who had performed on Broadway.

Acting Career

Myra Hemmings loved theater and was very active in amateur plays. She helped direct shows for the San Antonio Negro Little Theater. She and her husband also helped start the Phyllis Wheatley Dramatic Guild Players.

Myra appeared in three films during her career. In 1941, she starred in the movie Go Down Death: The Story of Jesus and the Devil. She played a character named Sister Caroline. Myra also helped produce and direct this film.

In 1943, she played Mrs. Ellen Tucker in the film Marching On. Later, in 1946, she acted as Sarra Walker in the movie Girl in Room 20.

Later Life and Community Work

Myra Hemmings also taught drama for many years. From the 1920s to the 1950s, she directed plays at the Carver Community Cultural Center in San Antonio.

She continued her leadership roles in Delta Sigma Theta. She was elected vice-president of the sorority in 1933. In 1948, she became the organization's historian. Myra earned her Master of Arts degree in speech from Northwestern University in 1947.

Myra taught in San Antonio for an amazing 51 years! She was also a member of other important groups. These included the NAACP, the National Council of Negro Women, and the Alpha Phi Literary Society. Myra Hemmings passed away in 1968 in San Antonio.

Honoring Her Legacy

After Myra Hemmings died, the Dramatic Theatre Guild was renamed the Myra Davis Hemmings Memorial Theatre Guild. This honored her dedication to theater.

In 1986, the Delta Sigma Theta sorority's resource center in San Antonio was named after her. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. also created the Myra Davis Hemmings Scholarship. This scholarship helps students who want to study performance or creative arts.

See also

• Delta Sigma Theta