Honoring a Legacy: George and Marie Davis Join Charlotte’s Trail of History

Charlotte’s history is shaped by visionaries whose contributions continue to influence our community generations later. On October 20, 2026, two of those visionaries, George E. Davis and Marie Gaston Davis, were honored with the unveiling of a new sculpture on Charlotte’s Trail of History, recognizing their extraordinary impact on education and opportunity for African Americans in Charlotte and across North Carolina.

Tony Zeiss, President Emeritus of Central Piedmont Community College; Charlotte Mayor Rob Harrington; Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Director Nick Walker; and Brandon Lunsford, historian for Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation gave remarks during the ceremony. 

For Partners for Parks, the dedication represents more than the addition of another bronze statue. It is another important chapter in an ongoing effort to connect residents and visitors with the people and stories that helped shape Mecklenburg County.

Educators Who Changed Lives

George E. Davis was a pioneering educator, administrator, and advocate for educational access. A graduate of Biddle University, he became the institution’s first African American professor and later served as Dean of the Faculty. His work with the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction helped secure support for Rosenwald Schools across the state, expanding educational opportunities for thousands of African American children.

His wife, Marie Gaston Davis, devoted more than three decades to Charlotte’s public schools. As principal of Fairview Graded School, she helped build and strengthen the city’s Black education system, mentoring generations of students and educators while championing academic excellence and community leadership.

Together, the Davises dedicated their lives to opening doors through education, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire today.

Bringing Their Story to Life

The new sculpture, created by renowned sculptor Joey Bainer, is located in Elizabeth Park along the Trail of History, Charlotte’s only outdoor history museum. The Trail features larger-than-life bronze sculptures that tell the stories of individuals who contributed to the history, growth, and development of Mecklenburg County.

The Davis sculpture serves as a powerful reminder that progress is built by those willing to invest in future generations. By highlighting their achievements in a public space, the Trail of History helps ensure that their story remains accessible to residents, students, and visitors alike.

Partners for Parks and the Trail of History

Partners for Parks has been involved with the Trail of History since its earliest days. We were one of the organizations that helped found the Trail of History as a way to energize and activate the metropolitan section of the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. 

The connection between the two organizations is a natural one. Partners for Parks is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and enhancing parks, greenways, open spaces, and recreational opportunities throughout Mecklenburg County. The Trail of History transforms a popular public greenway into a place where recreation, culture, and education intersect, allowing visitors to engage with local history while enjoying one of Charlotte’s most treasured public spaces. 

Visitors to Elizabeth Park (1721 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204) can now experience the Davis sculpture as part of the self-guided Trail of History tour along Little Sugar Creek Greenway. Surrounded by parks, trails, and public gathering spaces, the installation demonstrates how history can be woven into everyday experiences, making the stories of our community’s remarkable leaders accessible to all.