Sparkling Gems of Race Knowledge Worth Reading: A compendium of valuable information and wise suggestions that will inspire noble effort at the hands of every race-loving man, woman, and child.
History
Sparkling Gems of Race Knowledge Worth Reading: A compendium of valuable information and wise suggestions that will inspire noble effort at the hands of every race-loving man, woman, and child.
African Americans
I have many times been called upon to bear testimony to the
remarkable talents of Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis, and I
always do so with pleasure. In my judgment she is one of the
best dramatic readers in the country, and the best colored
reader that ever came before the American people. Her
personal appearance is strongly in her favor. She instantly
commands attention and sympathy, and when her deep, fine
voice is heard, her audience at once give themselves up to
the pleasure of hearing her. I am quite sure you will make
no mistake in having her read for you. (Frederick Douglass.)
This is to certify that Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis has been
known to me since childhood. She is in all respects a lady
of the first grade, spotless in character, polished in
manners, educated and finished in her profession. As a
dramatic reader she has no superiors, and should be
encouraged by all who favor the elevation of our race. I
commend her services to all ministers of the gospel, and to
the public in general. (Bishop H. M. Turner, Atlanta, Ga.)
[Illustration: MISS HENRIETTA VINTON DAVIS, WASHINGTON, D. C.]
Miss Davis is by far the most cultured and finished
elocutionist of the race. Her combination of catchy
recitations, replete with humor of an excellent quality,
continues from beginning to end to bring forth shouts of
laughter and rounds of applause. Her character-acting stamps
her at once as an artist. She is pretty, unassuming, and
full of common sense. (Star of Zion, Salisbury, N. C.)
I have heard Miss Henrietta Vinton Davis perform on various
occasions, and it is my candid judgment, reached after
mature deliberation, and a fair knowledge of the merits of
nearly all her set who essay to excel in the histrionic art,
that she has no superior in the race as a master of the
profession of her choice. (John C. Dancy, Wilmington, N. C.)
Miss Davis is a living example of what all may do by
improving their time and their talents. (Bishop Benjamin W.
Arnett.)
Among the elocutionists that I have known Miss H. V. Davis
holds the highest place in my estimation. Her
personification and rendition of character is complete in
whatever role she appears. (J. W. Hood, Bishop A.M.E. Zion
Church.)
TO HENRIETTA VINTON DAVIS.
As you stood in your womanly beauty,
In garments of glittering sheen,
Our hearts bowed down in gracious homage,
And we crowned you as our queen.
Although many have been before thee,
Thou beautiful dark-eyed queen,
None more worthy of allegiance
On the throne was ever seen.
For whether in joy or in sorrow
Thy magic art has been seen
We sat enslaved by thy sweet caprice,
Our fair, yes, charming queen.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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