November 23

Henrietta Davis

Considered by many to be one of the top African American dramatic actors of the nineteenth century, Henrietta Vinton Davis died on November 23, 1941 in Washington, DC at age 81. She was also an International leader of the Garvey Movement, an elocutionist, dramatist and diplomat.  Her oratorical skills which created awe on stage, also aided in her as a chief spokesperson for Marcus Garvey and the African Redemption Movement of the UNIA-ACL. Prior to her career in the arts, she became the first African American woman employed by the Office of Recorder of Deeds in Washington, DC where should would later work for Frederick Douglas when he was appointed Recorder of Deeds.  In the end she would separate from Garvey and his organization.  She was born August 25, 1860 in Baltimore, Maryland.