The Influences of White Actors in the Harlem Renaissance

What were the popular entertainment acts during the Harlem Renaissance that featured only white actors?

A. Jazz musicians

B. Broadway actors

C. A cakewalk, Brother Tambo, and Brother Bones

D. Poets and writers

Answer:

C. A cakewalk, Brother Tambo, and Brother Bones

During the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that celebrated African American art and culture in the 1920s, there were instances of white actors participating in forms of entertainment such as the cakewalk, Brother Tambo, and Brother Bones. These acts were notable for their racially insensitive caricatures and stereotypes, which often perpetuated harmful and offensive depictions of African Americans.

The cakewalk was a dance that originated in the pre-Civil War era within enslaved African American communities but was later appropriated and performed primarily by white actors in blackface, reinforcing racial caricatures. Brother Tambo and Brother Bones were characters in minstrel shows, portrayed by white actors in blackface makeup, engaging in comedic and musical performances rooted in derogatory stereotypes.

These acts not only highlight the racial prejudices and insensitivity prevalent during the Harlem Renaissance but also serve as a stark reminder of the racism that African Americans had to contend with during this period. While the Harlem Renaissance was a vibrant and creative movement that contributed significantly to African American culture and the broader American cultural landscape, it was not free from the influence of racially insensitive and damaging performances perpetrated by white actors. These instances underscore the need for a critical examination of history and a better understanding of the complexities within cultural movements.