Historical marker in Amelia County to be dedicated to Black educator and social reformer

AMELIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Historic Resources will hold a dedication ceremony for a state historical marker focusing on the life of a Black educator and civic leader in Virginia this weekend.

The dedication ceremony for a state historical marker focusing on the life and career of Rosa L. Dixon Bowser will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, at the Amelia County Veterans Center, located at 16440 Five Forks Road.

According to the department, the marker will be located on U.S. Route 360 at the intersection with Grub Hill Church Road.

Virginia educator and social reformer Rosa L. Dixon Bowser was born enslaved in 1855 at Clay Hill plantation in Amelia County. She received her education in the City of Richmond’s public school system, where she later taught classes and supervised other teachers, according to the department.

Bowser was a leader in women’s clubs and African American reform organizations and sought improvements in health care, legal aid, support for young mothers and education for disadvantaged children.

In 1887, Bowser helped form the Virginia Teachers’ Reading Circle, the first African American teachers’ association in the Commonwealth.

According to the department, Bowser also helped establish the National Association of Colored Women, which led efforts to end lynchings and segregation and advocated for women’s suffrage.

In 1925, the Richmond Public Library’s first branch for Black patrons was named for her. Bowser died in 1931 and was buried in Richmond.

Attendees who wish to see the marker can do so after the dedication ceremony on Sunday. According to the department, parking will not be available at the site of the marker.

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