Act Black: Posters from Black American Stage & Screen

Phrases like “Greatest Colored Revue” and “An All Colored Cast” remind us of a time when Black performances were on display for Black audiences, showcasing diverse stories that added a level of complexity to experiences in America. To “act Black” was to perpetuate the negative stereotypes that evolved from the period of enslavement. To Act Black was to establish and create forms of entertainment that incorporated music, dance, language, and culture with Black faces at the forefront.

The posters in this exhibition provide a guide for viewers to consider how Black storytelling transferred and transformed from the stage to the screen. Moreover, these posters document the historical detail of innovative efforts by Black talent to represent life and experiences for Black audiences through their own creative perspectives.