The people are walking around in light wear, women in short skirts or shorts, men in their board shorts and children in as little clothing as possible. People tapping their fans in the heat.
This leads us to Bojangles....
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson
Born: May 25, 1878
Died: November 25, 1939
Bill Robinson was born in Richmond, Virginia on May 25, 1878. He was born with the name Luther, a name he detested and under threat, he exchanged his name with his younger brother. At the young age of six, Bill appeared as a dancer in the black theatre circuit and nightclubs.
He was well known for his quickly moving feet, and wacky expressions. He didn't start dancing for white audiences until the age of 50, and he received much publicity when he danced up the stairs to receive an honour from the King of England, therefore creating the "stair" dance.
Bill is most famous for dancing in movies alongside Shirley Temple, as the kind black man with a heart of gold and amazing feet. She says that he was her favourite co-star, though, she quickly learned that he was the recipient of racism. For despite his success and money, Hollywood did not treat him as well as they did their white stars. For example, Shirley Temple was housed in nice hotels, and Bojangles slept in the chauffeur's quarters over a garage.
In 1936, he also co-founded the baseball team, the New York Black Yankees, along with his James "Soldier Boy" Semler (take that Souljah Boi). He was named Honourary Mayor of New York and Harlem.
And because of Bojangles, we celebrate National Tap Dance Day today.
