ST. LOUIS — Dr. Julia Davis, a pivotal figure in St. Louis education and Black history preservation, is celebrated for her contributions to the city’s public schools and the creation of the Julia Davis African American Collection.
Dr. Davis taught in St. Louis Public Schools for nearly fifty years, during which she developed a curriculum for African American history and amassed a significant collection of historical items. This collection, which began in 1961, is now housed at the St. Louis Public Library and contains over 3,000 items, including biographies, literature, music, and films.
Cicely Hunter, a public historian with the Missouri History Museum, emphasized the importance of Davis’s work, stating, “In order to understand the landscape of the United States, we have to be able to look back to what happened with Black representation and what happened with activists and organizers.”
Upon her retirement, Dr. Davis demonstrated her commitment to education by donating the modern-day equivalent of $15,000 for the collection. Her legacy is further honored by the library on Natural Bridge Road, which was named after her in the 1970s.
Dr. Julia Davis’s dedication to education and history has left an enduring impact on St. Louis, ensuring that future generations have access to a rich repository of African American history.
All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.