When the sharp sound of his tap shoes hit the stairs, he felt happy and free. Smiling, he let go of the harsh reality of segregation while he danced. Every tap of his shoes felt like he was controlling his own destiny – despite white society’s oppression of his people.
The camera lights flashed and the audience applauded, even though Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was one of the first Black vaudeville performers – not a white man in “blackface.”
When racist laws prevented him from dancing solo, he went overseas and danced for WWI soldiers. That is, until his big break – dancing with Shirley Temple, breaking an entertainment color barrier!
Through dancing, he became a shining beacon of Black excellence. Bojangles defied stereotypes, became the highest-paid Black performer of his time, and helped establish the Negro Actors Guild of America.
Proud of his contributions, thousands of friends and fans attended his funeral, where Rev. Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. gave a moving eulogy.
If we use our Black excellence and positive self-image to fight racism, then we can break down barriers for others to follow in our footsteps!