William Henry Lane

This week's threads have focused on minstrel performers and black actors who were successful being stereotypes and wearing blackface.  Today's post will highlight the inventor or Father  of tap dancing and the first black minstrel performer.  Master Juba (ca. 1825 – ca. 1852 or 1853) was an African-American dancer active in the 1840's. He was one of the first black … [Read more...] about Friday Open Thread: Famous Depictions of African-American Stereotypes and Blackface