Ethiopian Minstrelsy

Ethiopian Minstrelsy

A form of entertainment in the 19th century where performers painted their faces black to caricature African Americans, reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Daddy Rice

The "father" of blackface minstrelsy, known for creating the character "Jim Crow," which symbolized racist portrayals of African Americans.

Jim Crow

A character created by Daddy Rice representing a stereotypical, happy-go-lucky, uneducated slave, used to mock and dehumanize Black people.

Zip Coon

A character representing a free Black man who aspired to mimic white behavior but was portrayed as foolish and ridiculous, contrasting with Jim Crow.

James Bland

One of the first successful Black composers and minstrel performers, known for writing over 700 songs, including "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny."

Stephen Foster

A prolific American composer of minstrel songs, known for works like "Oh! Susanna," whose music depicted African American life within a racist framework.

Slave Songs of the United States

The first published collection of African American spirituals, compiled by William Francis Allen, Charles Pickard Ware, and Lucy McKim Garrison in 1867.

Impact of Minstrelsy

Played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of African Americans and contributed to widespread racism, particularly in the North.

Exaggerated Portrayals

Minstrelsy performances included exaggerated speech, song, dance, and comedy, reinforcing demeaning stereotypes about Black culture.

Preservation of Music

"Slave Songs of the United States" was important for preserving the music of enslaved Africans and showcasing African American musical traditions.