Leigh Whipper By Dale Shields Leigh Whipper the first Black member of the Actors’ Equity Association (1913) * Born in (1876) Charleston, South Carolina, died (1975) New York City, New York. “Although a strong presence in the (still extant) Oscar Micheaux drama Symbol of the Unconquered (1920), gaunt-looking African-American performer Leigh Whipper had …
Media Depictions of the Mammy Archetype By Sean Smith Edited information, additional photo and film/television research by Dale Shields The Mammy archetype is one of the most notable Black stereotypes and caricatures which exist in (Black) American culture. The Mammy, generally characterized as masculine, overweight, sexually unattractive, large-breasted, non-threatening, and protective of their white families, …
The Whitman Sisters “The Whitman Sisters were the highest paid act on the Negro Vaudeville Circuit, Theater Owner Booking Association (Toby), and one of the longest surviving touring companies (1899-1942). The group was considered the greatest incubator of dancing talent for Negro shows on or off Toby, and significantly contributed to American theater …
