Minstrel Shows & Coon Songs: Blacks in Vaudeville

African American entertainers endured many creative limitations in America because of racism. Minstrel shows were a reflection of the volatile and violent social conditions that many African Americans faced during that era. Black singers, dancers and actors were forced to perform parodies of their authentic selves for the pleasure of white audiences. We had to appear happy, simple and eager to entertain despite economic disenfranchisement and routine, violent attacks on Black communities. If you think about it, things really haven't changed that much.

This is a great excerpt from the PBS Documentary "Vaudeville" explaning the sacrifice our creators of the past made for the sake of sharing their talents. What are your thoughts?