Show: 1930s

Leon Claxton’s Early Shows

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In the 1930s, while other carnival acts relegated Black performers to demeaning “darky” roles, Claxton envisioned a show that celebrated Black artistry in its full, unapologetic glory. Debuting in 1936 as Brown Skin Vanities before evolving into Harlem in Havana in the mid 1940s, Claxton’s revue broke racial barriers and shattered expectations, setting a new standard for Black excellence in entertainment.