Engagement Guide for The Hula-Hoopin Queen

Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. was a leader who used his powerful voice to fight for justice and equality. He was born in 1908 and became the first Black congressman from the northeastern United States, representing Harlem, New York. Powell worked hard to create laws that improved education and helped those in poverty. As a preacher at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church, he became a passionate advocate for civil rights, speaking out against segregation and unfair treatment of Black people. Powell also worked on major laws to raise the minimum wage and support programs to help communities in need. His bold personality and strong opinions inspired many, but at times, his controversial actions caused him to lose support, and his political career came to an end. Still, his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement are remembered as groundbreaking.

Eubie Blake was an influential composer and musician who helped shape early jazz and ragtime music. Born in 1883, Blake’s music became an important part of African American culture, especially during the Harlem Renaissance. One of his most famous achievements was co-writing “Shuffle Along” in 1921, the first successful Broadway musical with an all-Black cast. This show was a game-changer, bringing African American talent to the mainstream stage for the first time. Blake’s music blended ragtime with early jazz and became a huge influence on later musicians. Even as jazz became more popular in the 1920s, Blake continued to perform and write, and he worked with famous people like Noble Sissle. In his later years, Blake helped revive ragtime music in the 1970s, teaching others about its history. He lived to be 100, still performing and giving talks well into his 90s. His dedication to music and his love for sharing it with others made him a beloved figure in American music.

Zora Neale Hurston was a talented writer and anthropologist who celebrated Black life, especially the culture of the South. Born in 1891 in Alabama, Hurston grew up in Eatonville, Florida, one of the first all-Black towns in the U.S. She was curious about the world around her, and this led her to study anthropology at Barnard College, where she earned her degree. Hurston’s books, like Their Eyes Were Watching God, told stories of Black women and their experiences, breaking away from the usual narratives about African Americans. Her writing focused on the struggles, joys, and strengths of people living in the South. She also traveled to places like Haiti and Jamaica to learn about African cultural traditions. Though her work wasn’t widely celebrated in her lifetime, Hurston’s writing has since become essential to American literature. Her dedication to telling the stories of Black people has made her one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

Patricia Bath was a groundbreaking doctor who invented a new way to treat cataracts, helping many people regain their sight. Born in 1942, Bath grew up in Harlem and always loved science. She was passionate about helping others, especially those in poor communities who didn’t have access to medical care. Bath was the first Black woman to complete a medical degree at Howard University, and she went on to become an expert in eye care. Through her research, Bath discovered that Black Americans were more likely to go blind, and she worked to create better access to eye care for those who needed it most. In 1988, Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe, a device that revolutionized cataract surgery. She was also the first Black woman to receive a medical patent. Bath’s work didn’t stop there; she co-founded the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness to make sure that everyone, no matter their background, had the right to clear vision. Bath’s contributions to medicine changed the lives of thousands and paved the way for future generations of Black doctors.

Malcolm X was a powerful and inspiring leader who spoke about Black pride and self-reliance. Born in 1925, he grew up facing many challenges, including the death of his father and the racism that existed in the United States. In his younger years, Malcolm was involved in a lot of trouble, but after being sent to prison, he found a new path in life. While in prison, he became a member of the Nation of Islam, a religious group that taught Black empowerment. As he became more involved, Malcolm X became known for his strong speeches and his ideas about Black independence. He argued that Black people should be proud of their heritage and fight for their rights, even if it meant using force. Although his views sometimes differed from those of other Civil Rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., his words inspired many young people to stand up for themselves. After leaving the Nation of Islam, Malcolm continued to speak out for justice, but tragically, he was assassinated in 1965. His life and ideas continue to inspire people to fight for equality.

Langston Hughes was one of the most famous writers of the Harlem Renaissance, a time when African American culture blossomed in the 1920s. Born in 1901, Hughes was a poet, playwright, and social activist who used his writing to tell the stories of Black people. He was one of the first to use jazz music as inspiration for poetry, creating a style called jazz poetry. Hughes believed in the power of art to bring about social change, and his poems reflected the struggles and dreams of African Americans. He wrote about topics like racism, hope, and pride, and his works became a voice for Black communities. Hughes’ famous works, like his poem The Negro Speaks of Rivers, showed that Black culture had deep roots in history. He also wrote plays, short stories, and novels, and he worked as a journalist. Hughes’ influence continued through the Civil Rights Movement, and today he is known as one of the most important writers in American history.

Florence Mills was a star performer who became one of the most famous singers and dancers of the Harlem Renaissance. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1896, Mills began performing at a young age. She first gained attention in vaudeville, a type of variety show, before making her Broadway debut in 1921 in the musical Shuffle Along, which featured an all-Black cast. Mills’ performances were unforgettable—her voice was striking, and her dancing was full of energy. She became a sensation on stage, and soon, she was performing in major theaters in New York and abroad, including in London and Paris. Mills helped break down barriers for African American women in theater, showing the world that Black performers could be stars on the same stage as white performers. Despite her success, she tragically passed away at the young age of 31. However, her legacy lives on as one of the leading figures in African American entertainment during the Jazz Age.

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson was a legendary tap dancer who became one of the most beloved performers in American history. Born in 1878 in Virginia, Robinson grew up in a family that faced many hardships, but he found a passion for dance early on. His breakthrough came when he joined the Broadway show Blackbirds of 1928, where his famous “stair dance” made him a star. Robinson was known for his incredible footwork, which was different from the heavy style of tap dancing that had been common before. Instead, his dancing was light and elegant, inspiring many others to follow his style. In addition to Broadway, Robinson also appeared in several Hollywood films, often dancing alongside famous child star Shirley Temple. While Robinson’s career was filled with success, he still had to face racism and was often cast in stereotypical roles. Nevertheless, he became a trailblazer for Black actors and dancers, showing that talent could break barriers. Later in life, he even helped create a Black baseball team, the New York Black Yankees. Robinson’s contributions to dance and entertainment left a lasting impact on American culture.

•   “Adam Clayton Powell Jr.” Encyclopedia.com. 
•   “Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.” Britannica, Civil Rights Activist, Harlem Congressman. 
•   “Eubie Blake (1883-1983).” Evamere Entertainment. 
•   “Zora Neale Hurston.” Britannica. 
•   “Zora Neale Hurston | Biography, Books, Short Stories, & Facts.” Britannica. 
•   “Patricia Bath: Biography, Doctor, Inventor.” Biography. 
•   “Malcolm X.” Britannica, Biography, Nation of Islam, Assassination, & Facts. 
•   “Malcolm X – Kids.” Britannica Kids | Homework Help. 
•   MalcolmX.pdf. 
•   “Harlem Renaissance.” Wikipedia. 
•   “Harlem Renaissance: Definition, Artists & How It Started.” HISTORY. 
•   “A New African American Identity: The Harlem Renaissance.” National Museum of African American History and Culture. 
•   “Florence Mills (1896-1927).” Evamere Entertainment. 
•   “Florence Mills – Songs, Death & Career.” Biography. 
•   “Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson – Facts, Quotes & Dancing.” Biography. 
•   “Bill ‘Bojangles’ Robinson (1878-1949).” Evamere Entertainment. 
• Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Photographs and Prints Division, The New York Public Library. (1935 – 1939). Harlem Tenement in Summer Retrieved from https://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/81f397c0-461d-0134-90b2-00505686a51c