Tag: leslie cunningham

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HARLEM IN HAVANA NYC IGNITES NEW YORK WITH A ONE-DAY CULTURAL EXPERIENCE ON MAY 9, 2026

Film. Performance. Legacy—across two iconic NYC stages.

New York, NY — April 21, 2026— The Harlem in Havana Project presents Harlem in Havana NYC, a one-day cultural experience bringing a powerful chapter of American history to life through film and live performance.

Taking place at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, the event honors Black and Afro-Cuban performers who shaped American entertainment during segregation while being historically overlooked.

ONE DAY. TWO EVENTS. ONE LEGACY.
A documentary screening and art talk at 1:00 PM is followed by a live tribute performance at 7:30 PM, offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience this history both preserved and reimagined.

EVENT I: FILM SCREENING & ART TALK

1:00 PM | Free & Open to the Public
📍 New York Public Library for the Performing Arts

New York premiere of JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana, a documentary by filmmaker Leslie Cunningham.

The film explores the world of Leon Claxton’s touring revue—where Black brilliance, Cuban rhythms, and early burlesque artistry flourished during the Jim Crow era.

Following the screening, Cunningham joins leading Black burlesque historians and performers for a discussion on the legacy and cultural impact of the revue. Read more.

EVENT II: BROWN SKIN SHOWGIRLS — A HARLEM IN HAVANA TRIBUTE SHOW

7:30 PM | Free | 18+
📍 David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts

A high-glam, immersive burlesque tribute inspired by Claxton’s legendary Harlem in Havana revue.

Brown Skin Showgirls celebrates Black and Afro-Latine performers who challenged racial, sexual, and artistic boundaries across decades of performance history, and paved the way for performers of today.

Featuring a dynamic ensemble and headlined by internationally acclaimed burlesque artist Jessabelle Thunder, Miss 2026 Exotic World, the show blends historical homage with contemporary performance. Read more.

A LEGACY RECLAIMED

Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana revue toured from the 1930s–1960s, breaking racial barriers while blending global performance traditions during segregation.

“Harlem in Havana is about reclaiming a legacy that was never lost—only overlooked,” says Leslie Cunningham.

ABOUT HARLEM IN HAVANA PROJECT

The Harlem in Havana Project is a multidisciplinary initiative preserving the legacy of Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana revue, a pioneering touring production that showcased Black and Afro-Cuban performers across North America and challenged segregation-era entertainment norms. Read more.

ABOUT THE PRODUCER & ARTIST

Leslie Cunningham is an artist, filmmaker, producer and the granddaughter of impresario Leon Claxton. Her work bridges archival research and performance to uncover and amplify overlooked Black and Afro-Latine histories.

Through the Harlem in Havana Project, she brings forward erased cultural narratives at the intersection of history, art, and social impact. Her documentary JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana has received support from leading arts organizations and continues to spark dialogue around race, performance, and cultural memory.

SUPPORTERS

Harlem in Havana NYC is supported by The New York School of Burlesque, Looking Glass Gems, Chocolate Box Burlesque, and Black Pinups Magazine.

MEDIA CONTACT

📧 info@harleminhavana.com
🌐 harleminhavana.com/nyc

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The Harlem in Havana Project Unveils the Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend + The Leslie Cunningham Burlesque Education Scholarship

Leslie Cunningham, the creative force behind The Harlem in Havana Project, premiered a dazzling culmination of a decade-long journey with the Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend, a celebration of Black Burlesque History that took place in Atlanta, Georgia during Black History Month 2024.

Cunningham’s odyssey into the heart of American entertainment history began over a decade ago with the launch of The Harlem in Havana Project, a captivating exploration of her family’s extraordinary Black and Cuban entertainment legacy. As the granddaughter of legendary African American impresario Leon Claxton, Cunningham meticulously crafted a multimedia documentary project that pays homage to her grandfather and one of America’s most triumphant traveling girl shows.

The project’s centerpiece, the documentary film “JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana,” unveils the untold stories of the groundbreaking Harlem in Havana Revue, defying the odds and leaving an indelible mark on Black entertainment during the era of Jim Crow. 

Also chronicling the life and lore of famed Tampa showman Leon Claxton,  the educational film features exclusive interviews with past performers and patrons, never-before-digitized show photographs, and captivating historical clips that celebrate the legacy of Harlem in Havana, and urges descendants of African and Cuban-Americans to embrace their past. 

The decision by Cunningham to circumvent traditional festival circuits and streaming services marks a pivotal moment in film history. Now, viewers worldwide can access this essential piece of our cultural heritage at absolutely no cost. This unprecedented move ensures that the film’s profound significance reaches every corner of the globe without barriers or restrictions, emphasizing the importance of its message. Watch the film now.

Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend + The Leslie Cunningham Burlesque Education Scholarship

The Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend, held in Atlanta, GA, marked the grand finale of The Harlem in Havana multimedia documentary work, shining a spotlight on elegance, empowerment, and the mesmerizing world of Black Burlesque. Produced in collaboration with The Atlanta School of Burlesque and Black Burlesque Atlanta, the electrifying weekend featured spectacular shows, riveting films, and an immersive dive into the richness of Black Burlesque History. 

Highlighting the event was the announcement of The Atlanta School of Burlesque: Leslie Cunningham Burlesque Education Scholarship, aimed at removing financial barriers and nurturing the artistic talents of promising Black performers. Administered by The Atlanta School of Burlesque, the scholarship will directly impact the lives of talented Black burlesque dancers by providing them with the tools and resources they need to flourish. 

Roula, the founder and owner of the school says, “We envision a future where burlesque represents a vibrant microcosm of diversity and inclusion, and where artistic opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of their background.”

All donations from the Brown Skin Showgirls Weekend events supported the scholarship, reflecting Cunningham’s commitment to fostering the next generation of burlesque artists, a few who have already been selected as recipients of the scholarship.  “Although I’ve officially completed the documentary project, I will continue to educate audiences about Harlem in Havana to ensure this incredible American entertainment legacy is remembered,” says Leslie Cunningham. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported me on this amazing journey.”

For more information about The Harlem in Havana Project and upcoming events, visit harleminhavana.com.

To stay updated on Leslie Cunningham’s future projects, visit Lesliecunninghamfilms.com 

About Leslie Cunningham:

Leslie Cunningham is a visionary artist and filmmaker dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Black and Latin entertainment. As the granddaughter of legendary African American impresario Leon Claxton, Cunningham’s work reflects a deep passion for storytelling and cultural preservation. Through The Harlem in Havana Project, she invites audiences to embark on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of American entertainment history. Learn more.

About The Harlem in Havana Project:

The Harlem in Havana Project is a captivating exploration of one of America’s most triumphant traveling girl shows, paying homage to the legacy of producer Leon Claxton and the groundbreaking Harlem in Havana Revue. Through a multimedia documentary project, featuring the film “JIG SHOW | Leon Claxton’s Harlem in Havana,” Cunningham invites audiences to delve into the complexities of American entertainment, race history, and family.