Dr. Amira Millicent Davis

Dr Amira Davis Approved 20240805

For 35 years Dr. Amira Millicent Davis has done arts in education performances in schools and cultural institutions using African percussions, drums, storytelling, and song. 

She’s performed and presented workshops for family and adult audiences, taught Africana Studies at UIUC, Eastern University, and Richland Community College, and substitute teaching in elementary schools. She wants to share the insights gained in teaching Africana studies to audiences outside of academia.

Presentation 1 of 2
Available

The Black Chicago Renaissance

In this presentation, Dr. Davis will guide participants through the Chicago Black Renaissance from the early to mid-20th century. The presentation will include a Q&A and an interactive component where audience members share their migration stories.

Program Logistics

The presentation takes approximately 60 minutes, with extra time at the end for Q&A, making it approximately 90 minutes. Visuals are presented via PowerPoint. A projector and screen are required.

Presentation 2 of 2
Available

Jalimusa: An Epic Tale of Black Women’s Mothering

This presentation will be a combination performance and lecture on chapters of Davis’ book on Black women’s mothering. She will perform songs related to Black women’s mothering and read excerpts from her book, including stories of historical Black women that address issues such as representation, educational and maternal activism, aging, reproductive rights, and spirituality.

Program Logistics

The presentation takes approximately 60 minutes, with extra time at the end for Q&A, making it approximately 90 minutes. Visuals are presented via PowerPoint. A projector and screen are required.

Bio

Amira Millicent Davis holds an EdM in Curriculum & Instruction and a PhD in Educational Policy Studies with a concentration in African American Studies from the University of Illinois-Urbana. She also conducted postdoctoral research on Supplementary Saturday Schools in London.

Dr. Davis is the author of Jalimusa: An Epic Tale of Black Women’s Mothering. Several of her book chapters and articles are in publication, and she has been invited to present at numerous conferences. Amira is a mother, grandmother, and activist-artist-educator using African drums, percussions, and stories to entertain, educate, and motivate.

Learn More and Follow Amira

Book this Road Scholar

Follow the steps below to book a presentation.
  1. Contact Amira to schedule a date and time via email at amira_davis@yahoo.com.
  2. Once you and Amira have agreed upon a date and time, complete the online Road Scholars Host Organization application.
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Nicole Rodriguez
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speakers@ilhumanities.org
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