Cincinnati trailblazer reflects on breaking barriers: ‘I love my story’
By Danielle Dindak
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CINCINNATI (WLWT) — Angela Davis, a resident at Brookdale Senior Living Facility, is sharing her inspiring journey of resilience and faith during Women’s History Month.
Cincinnati was built on trailblazers. Davis didn’t just reach her dreams; she broke barriers doing it, paving the way for so many people.
Her determination is unmatched, her compassion evident, and her strength speaks just as loudly as her faith.
“I love my story and I love sharing it with everyone,” Davis said.
Born in 1937, Davis grew up in Washington, D.C., during a time of segregation.
“We were the only ones there in the school and in the churches. Back then, Blacks had to sit in the back of the church,” Davis said. “And I always told my mom, I want to sit up front.”
Feeling a calling from above, on Sundays when her mom wasn’t looking, Davis ran up front and sat up front.
Running by faith, Davis was unaware at the time that she was well on her journey of many firsts.
“I was the first Black to go to the first integrated school when I was in seventh grade,” Davis said.
Not letting adversity slow her pace, she kept her head up. While she was in high school, a law passed making all schools integrated.
Guided by her faith, Davis moved to Cincinnati and became the first Black nun of the Sisters of Charity.
“The mother general really welcomed me. And every time she saw me, she hugged me and told me she was so happy I was there,” Davis said.
Her life would have another act and another milestone.
“I was the first Black to teach at Hyde Park,” Davis said.
An elementary teacher who taught her students life-long lessons, Davis is a woman of wisdom, love, and resilience. She received the Martin Luther King Jr. Award.
But the proudest moments in her life can’t all be found in a book. Instead, you can find them on her wall.
“I love my family. They’re wonderful people, and I love all of them,” Davis said.
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