In the year 1930, the extraordinary and elusive circus photographer, Edward J. Kelty, documented the

In the year 1930, the extraordinary and elusive circus photographer, Edward J. Kelty, documented the Harlem Black Birds, an African American musical revue assembled for a performance at Coney Island. Known for his year-book style group portraits, here Kelty captures African American singers, dancers and musicians—many of whom are women sporting checkered hats and dresses—nestled among bosses, prop men, and other behind-the scenes workers and relatives. The debonair man wearing a derby and bow tie, with a cigar in his hand at center of the small group on the bleachers is likely the legendary tap dancer King Rastus Brown. This racially stereotypical title was presumably a stage name. Even more problematic are the two blackface comics, whose makeup and gloves render them in this black and white photograph as racially ambiguous, standing atop right and left booths. These disconcerting details, in addition to the caricatured faces on the banner above the group, remind us that although Coney Island was a place of diversity, it was hardly free of racism. However, performing with the Black Birds gave these entertainers a rare chance to belong to an esteemed group as they introduced audiences in New York and Paris to African American music.Posted by Alison KarasykEdward J. Kelty (American, 1888–1967). Harlem Black Birds, Coney Island, 1930. Photograph, Collection of Ken Harck. -- source link

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