David Evans, President of Douglass Visions Committee & Descendant of Founding Black Families Talks About The Legacy of Service to the Community
About this Exhibit:
Watch the video
Read the interview
Read the articles
Complete the Exhibit Activity
Share your experience
Part 1: Interview with Dr. Tamara Thomas
Dr. Thomas: Where did you grow up David? David Evans: I grew up in the Douglass Community with my family, extended family, and cousins. There were so many kids in the Douglass Community when I was growing up. Everyone was family - even if we weren't related!
Dr. Thomas: What was your relationship with your elders and immediate family? David Evans: I was the youngest of all siblings, and my mom was the youngest of all her siblings. I grew up with many father figures, all of which was my mom's older brothers. In my home, I grew up with strong women that were very involved in the community. My grandfather was a pillar of the community and always encouraged me to go everywhere with him ranging from church activities to city hall meetings.
Dr. Thomas: Talk about your early childhood years. What do you remember about them? David Evans: I had a wonderful childhood. My family was my friends. There were so many of us always playing games like board games, cards, sports and even participating in the choir. We were always celebrating. One thing I can remember was I would get in trouble. I was curious and creative, and independent too. I would sometimes get in trouble in school too for talking too much. I loved having company around and loved being social. My childhood had some great memories because we were a great big community. If I didn't want to play something or do something, I would hide under the houses! I remember if I would get in trouble, my grandparents were the first ones to know. Everyone's mom would tell your mom! Looking back, it was very
Dr. Thomas: Where did you go to school and how was school life? David Evans: I loved school! I started daycare in the Douglass Community neighborhood. My first daycare was with Lita Ray Walters. Then I went to Mendenhall Elementary School, then Bowman, and eventually moved to Dallas and graduated high school from there. The school was a mixed experience, I remember when they tried to place me in Special Education unfairly and my family standing up for me. I remember having friends. I learned in school and outside of school. I was always getting in trouble for small stuff like talking, but overall my experience could have been better - but because I came from a family that believed education was very important, they kept me motivated in school to do my part. I'm grateful for that.
Dr. Thomas: What sports and activities did you participate in throughout her school years? David Evans: I grew up in the church. Our family was religious and my grandfather expected us to participate in church. Just going to church was not enough. I soon became involved in the choir and spent many years singing in the choirs. My fondest memories were going to downtown Dallas - the BIG CITY, to sing alongside the choir for great singers including Eartha Kitt and Jennifer Halliday through the Junior Black Academy (currently known as The Black Academy of Arts and Letters).
Dr. Thomas: How did you celebrate holidays and special occasions? David Evans: We celebrated different events in the community like Juneteenth, MLK Breakfast, Christmas, and Birthdays. For Juneteenth, I remember my uncles and grandfather would barbeque and I would help in any way possible. For MLK Day we would go to Collin College for the ceremony to celebrate and commemorate his work, for Christmas and Thanksgiving we would have a big meal and everyone would cook and come over. Birthdays were fun, you always got to pick your favorite meal and celebrate on the day your birthday would fall on. We celebrated a lot.
Dr. Thomas: How did you celebrate holidays and special occasions? David Evans: We celebrated different events in the community like Juneteenth, MLK Breakfast, Christmas, and Birthdays. For Juneteenth, I remember my uncles and grandfather would barbeque and I would help in any way possible. For MLK Day we would go to Collin College for the ceremony to celebrate and commemorate his work, for Christmas and Thanksgiving we would have a big meal and everyone would cook and come over. Birthdays were fun, you always got to pick your favorite meal and celebrate on the day your birthday would fall on. We celebrated a lot.
Dr. Thomas: What is Douglass Visions Committee (DVC) and what is the mission? David Evans: Douglass Visions Committee was created in 1990 by my grandfather and the elders of the community
Part 2: Listening to Learn
David Evans, President of Douglass Visions Committee, Community Leader and proud descendant of the Founding Black
Families of the Douglass Community. David is interviewed by his sister Dr. Tamara Thomas and talks about the inspiring moments that influenced him to continue the legacy of leading the Douglass Visions Committee and have the vision to expand services through the non-profit across Texas and nationally.
Part 3: Articles & Videos About the Douglass Visions Committee
The Douglass Visions Committee (DVC) under the leadership of David Evans has provided thousands of meals, home repairs, basic needs, and essentials for the community. Watch the videos below and read the articles below to understand the different ways the Douglass Visions Committee supports the community.
Exhibit Activities & Discussions:
Why is it important to support your local communities?
What legacy has David carried out and why do you think it is important to him?
How can others get involved in the community?
What skills or mindset is important to have when you want to help the community?
What are some ways that Douglass Visions Committee supports the community?
Who is David's great grandfather?
Who is David's mother?
What was an important part of David's life growing up?
In what ways is David's childhood the same as yours? How is it different?
In what ways can children, families, and adults help non-profits like the Douglass Visions Committee improve communities?
Sources:
Plano Magazine
Rotary International
Douglass Visions Committee