Sweat dripped down “Buck” Washington’s face as he played the piano. His long-time vaudeville partner, “Bubbles,” tap danced across the stage. He felt whites’ eyes on him, admiring his saucy music – but he also sensed they were calculating if he was “staying in his place.”
Years before, Washington and his partner had been forced to sport blackface and gloves so the audience wouldn't know they were Black! Now, they wowed the audience without make-up – but danger was ever-present. They weren’t “step and fetch it” entertainers, yet singing sly songs about emancipation could get them killed!
But he was going to keep dancing and singing despite their oppression. He knew if he kept his self-respect he’d show them he was the best. Was his attitude dangerous?
Eventually he was so good, and so popular, it didn’t matter! Washington was among the first entertainers to break color barriers when he and Bubbles headlined white vaudeville circuits across the country.
By maintaining his self-respect, dignity and pride, Buck paved the way for other entertainers. Despite racists who want to keep us in our “place,” our Black excellence can create new opportunities for ourselves and our people!