Trailblazers

Since it's Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the US, I thought it would be appropriate to highlight some of the early African American players that prepared the ground for the greater, although far from perfect, opportunities enjoyed in the entertainment industry today.

Juanita Moore

Bert Williams

Louise Beavers

Duke Ellington

Hattie McDaniel (shown receiving her Academy Award from Fay Bainter)

Nat King Cole Jr.

Lena Horne

Cab Calloway

Josephine Baker

The immortal 'Satchmo,' Louis Armstrong

Original content copyright 2008-2014 by Mark A Clark No rights are claimed or implied for images shown herein. Individual photos may be reposted without permission. Providing credit and a link to this blog is always appreciated, but not required.