SEARCH:

Biography

Bill Robinson: Mr. Bojangles

Bill "Bojangles" Robinson was one of the world's most beloved performers. Born shortly after the Civil War in the shadow of slavery, Bojangles never learned to read or write. Orphaned at an early age, Bojangles began his illustrious career as a street urchin, dancing for the white elites in Richmond, Virginia. Eventually reaching the pinnacle of success available to Black entertainers at the time, Bojangles' human compassion and generosity made him one of the most revered and respected figures in the entertainment industry. At his death in 1949, his funeral was the largest ever seen by New York City, and one that transcended racial boundaries, just as he had done in his life. Bill Robinson: Mr. Bojangles would be useful for classes on African-American History, American History, Cultural History, Film Studies and Ethics. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Vocabulary

• abolish
• agrarian
• ambition
• consummate
• dignitary
• flaunt
• hedonism
• icon
• lucrative
• obstacles
• phenomenal
• precocious
• prestigious
• segregation
• status
• taboo

Discussion Questions

1. Bojangles was born only thirteen years after the demise of slavery. Although these were years of hard times and limited opportunity for African-Americans, it was the first time they enjoyed freedom as a people in over three centuries. How might Bojangles' life been different if he was born earlier?
2. One prominent form of entertainment in the late 19th and early 20th centuries was the minstrel show. What were minstrel shows? How did they depend on racist stereotypes of African-Americans?
3. Bill Robinson was better known as "Bojangles." How did he get this unusual name?
4. Vaudeville was the premier form of entertainment before motion pictures. Describe the art form of vaudeville. How did this art form influence motion pictures?
5. What was the " two colored rule" of vaudeville? How did Bojangles break this rule for himself and for other African-American entertainers?
6. Although a successful and famous entertainer, Bojangles still had to contend with the racism of his era. How did the politics of racism affect Bojangles' career and his life?
7. Describe and discuss the Harlem Renaissance and its impact on American culture.
8. Bojangles was not only a great dancer, he was a great human being. Discuss Bojangles' generosity of money, time and spirit.
9. Bojangles was the most successful African-American star in Hollywood, but he paid a price for his success. What was this price? How did this price reflect racial attitudes in America?
10. Bojangles was loved by African-Americans and white Americans alike. How did he transcend racial boundaries?

Extended Activities

1. Create a poster advertising a vaudeville show.
2. Create a poster for the All-Black musical Stormy Weather.
3. Write a tribute for Bill Robinson that expresses his contributions to America in general and the African-American community in particular.