Emma Lewis Minnis (1881-1972) was the youngest of nine children of Madison Beaumont Minnis and Elizabeth Turner. Minnis was a graduate of Central High School, Louisville Normal School (Breckinridge Metropolitan High School), University of Chicago, and University of Illinois. Minnis was principal of the Benjamin Banneker School for 13 years; taught music at Oakwood College in Huntsville, AL; and taught music for many years at the Magazine Street Seventh Day Adventist Church and its school. The school was established in 1915, but in 1970, it was renamed the Emma L. Minnis Junior Academy in her honor. The school is still in operation. Image from “Bellarmine Magazine” Summer 2014 features Emma’s portrait and her great nephew Dr. Bernard Minnis.
