Historical Marker

Myra Lillian Davis Hemmings

Historical marker location:
3530 Roland Rd., San Antonio, Texas
( M. D. Hemming Gravesite, 60 yds east of third Cemetery entrance gate)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42" with post

AFRICAN AMERICAN EDUCATOR, ACTRESS, AND COMMUNITY ACTIVIST MYRA HEMMINGS WAS BORN IN GONZALES, TEXAS TO HENRY AND SUSAN (DEMENT) DAVIS. THE FAMILY MOVED TO SAN ANTONIO, WHERE MYRA GRADUATED FROM RIVERSIDE HIGH SCHOOL IN 1909. SHE ATTENDED HOWARD UNIVERSITY IN WASHINGTON, D.C., WHERE ON JAN. 13, 1913 SHE BECAME ONE OF 22 FOUNDERS OF THE DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY, THE PRIMARY GOALS OF WHICH WERE TO USE THEIR COLLECTIVE STRENGTH TO PROMOTE EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE AND TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN NEED. THEIR FIRST PUBLIC ACT WAS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE PROCESSION DOWN PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE IN WASHINGTON ON MAR. 3, 1913, THE DAY BEFORE WOODROW WILSON’S PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION.

HEMMINGS GRADUATED FROM HOWARD IN MAY 1913 AND RETURNED TO BEGIN HER TEACHING CAREER WITH THE SAN ANTONIO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT. SHE TAUGHT ENGLISH AND DRAMA AT FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND PHYLLIS WHEATLEY HIGH SCHOOLS FOR MORE THAN FIFTY YEARS, INFLUENCING COUNTLESS STUDENTS TO LOVE PERFORMING ARTS AND LITERATURE. HEMMINGS ORGANIZED THE SAN ANTONIO CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA ON AUG. 16, 1933 AND SERVED AS ITS FIRST PRESIDENT. TODAY THERE ARE MORE THAN 950 CHAPTERS AND MORE THAN 250,000 MEMBERS WORLDWIDE.

MYRA LOVED THE THEATER AND ACTING. IN 1922, SHE MARRIED JOHN (POP) HEMMINGS, A FORMER BROADWAY ACTOR. TOGETHER THEY ORGANIZED THE PHYLLIS WHEATLEY DRAMATIC GUILD PLAYERS. THEIR PRODUCTIONS, IN WHICH SHE OFTEN ACTED, SHAPED THE CULTURAL LIFE OF BLACK SAN ANTONIANS. SHE DIRECTED MORE THAN TWENTY DRAMATIC PLAYS AND APPEARED IN THREE FEATURE FILMS: “MARCHING ON!” (1943), “GO DOWN, DEATH!” (1944) AND “THE GIRL IN ROOM 20” (1946). HEMMINGS RECEIVED HER MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN DRAMA FROM NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY IN 1947. MYRA HEMMINGS’ PROLIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS CONTINUE TO INFLUENCE AND INSPIRE THE COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD.

(2012)

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

African American education Fine Arts women
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Bexar County, Texas, holds a significant place in the history of the Lone Star State. Native American tribes thrived in the region for centuries before the arrival of European explorers. In 1718, the Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known as the Alamo, which became a symbol of Texas' fight for independence. The area came under Mexican control after Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.

During the Texas Revolution in 1836, the Battle of the Alamo took place, where a small group of Texan defenders valiantly fought against Mexican forces. Although the defenders ultimately lost, their bravery and sacrifice galvanized the Texan cause. Soon after, the Republic of Texas was established, and Bexar County was officially created in 1837, named after San Antonio de Béxar.

Bexar County played a vital role in the westward expansion of the United States. It became part of the United States when Texas joined as the 28th state in 1845. The county saw significant growth with the construction of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the influx of European immigrants. In 1968, HemisFair '68 brought international attention to the county, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and attracting visitors from around the world. Today, Bexar County is known for its vibrant tourism industry, robust military presence, renowned healthcare institutions, and prestigious educational establishments.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Bexar County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The region that would become Bexar County was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Coahuiltecan and Lipan Apache.

  • 1718: The Spanish established the Mission San Antonio de Valero, known today as the Alamo, in what is now downtown San Antonio. This marked the beginning of Spanish colonization in the area.

  • 1821: Mexico gained independence from Spain, and the region came under Mexican control.

  • 1836: The Battle of the Alamo took place during the Texas Revolution, where a small group of Texan defenders fought against Mexican forces. Though the defenders were ultimately defeated, their resistance became a symbol of Texas independence.

  • 1837: The Republic of Texas officially established Bexar County, naming it after San Antonio de Béxar, the former Spanish name for the area.

  • 1845: Texas joined the United States as the 28th state.

  • 1861-1865: During the American Civil War, Bexar County remained part of the Confederacy.

  • Late 19th-early 20th century: The county saw growth and development with the expansion of railroads, the establishment of military bases like Fort Sam Houston, and the arrival of European immigrants.

  • 1968: HemisFair '68, a world's fair, was held in San Antonio, bringing national and international attention to the city and the county.