I have yet to run across the progressive African Americans that made it to the World’s Fair in history books (I’m still in my early stages).  However, Ethel Worthington, the Great Aunt of artistic genius, Kenneth Worthington,was the first black woman to display art at the Columbia Exposition.  This artist and photographer made fine China.  She did everything from start to finish – fired it; glazed it; and painted it.  That’s talent!

Here is Ms. Ethel featured on the front page of the Pullman Porter’s Review in October of 1916. She went on to sell and display art work at Chicago Marshall Fields Store on State Street in Chicago.

In my previous post Lack of Black in Chicago 1893… or Chicago 2016, I shared that black people were not allowed or welcomed at the 1893 World’s Fair.  That wasn’t totally true.  Generally speaking, that was consensus.  There were a couple exceptions.

Some African Americans were invited because they represented stereotypes, not progress, in the black race.  Nancy Green was one such person.  This 57-year-old former slave was hired to become a live advertisement for Aunt Jemima Pancake Mix.  You’re probably thinking, “What’s wrong with that?  At least she’s working.”  On the surface, that may seem like a positive thing.  However, her image was that of a stereotypical plantation mammy with her large jovial size and bandanna.  As if that wasn’t bad enough, she entertained audiences by telling stories of plantation life while flipping pancakes.

The authors of The Reason Why the Colored American is not in The World’s Columbian Exposition noted that Ms. Green’s performance was a hit.  This is not surprising.  Historically speaking, black people have been sources of entertainment and mockery for white people.  Nothing much has changed.  Today, many of the shows starring black people are comedies or the characters are in low-wage or stereotypical roles.  The positive, progression ones are totally exceptions.  However, I will give credit to the media for trying to do a little better.  Just a little bit.

Anyway, I did a little research after reading about Nancy Green, and learned that Aunt Jemima was brought alive once again at the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. “They hired Anna Robinson, described as a large, gregarious woman with the face of an angel. She traveled the country promoting Aunt Jemima until her death in 1951.” Still, the mammy image lived on.

The company did not change the mammy image until 1989 which was over 100 years after bringing Aunt Jemima to life.  The bandana was replaced with pearl earrings and a more respectable appearance.  I contacted the company to find out why it took over 100 years to change the image; they have yet to get back to me.

There were Black people at the fair. Unfortunately, those hired for entertainment purposes and not progress were the norm rather than the exception.

I was sharing information about my blog post, Lack of Black at Chicago’s World’s Fair in 1893…and Chicago 2016, with a buddy and had the following thought.

Washington Park is not very far from Jackson Park, the location of the 1893 World’s Fair.  Do you think Mayor Daley and his crew was trying to re-create White City on the South Side all over again?

White City was another name for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition based  on the materials used to construct the buildings.  However, White City was a double entredre.  While it really refered to the materials of the buildings; it became known for the preferred color of the planning committee, staff, and attendees.

Anyway, my answer would be YES.

With the gentrification going on in some of the poorer communities which tend to be home to minorities, and some of the more not-so-obvious things happening, I am certain there is a plan in place to change the color of the South Side. Planning the Olympics would have just made it whiter much faster.

These topics and more would never be seen or discussed on TV.

Fred Terry - North Side Chicago

Freda Terry holds line dance classes on Chicago’s north side at 1212 W. Balmoral (near Foster 5200 N. and Broadway 1200 W.). Classes are on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
$5.00 per class.

She will begin teaching beginners and intermediate line dancing on Wednesdays starting September 30th 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m at Homan Square Park, 3559 W. Arthington, near the old Sears building. Classes are $5.00 per class; $3.00 for seniors 60 and up.

Freda can be reached at 773-552-9117 or www.fredasdancing.com

Annet Austin - Upper Kutz - Chicago

Annet Austin teaches line dance classes every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Upper Kuts Barbershop located at 3786 W. 79th Street (across the street from BoganHigh School’s parking lot). The cost is $5. She can be reached at 773-206-0346.

Good Gyrrls Offers Sensual Fun, Fitness and Relaxation

Dancing. Cooking lessons. Wine tasting. Massages. A spa, right? Not exactly. Good Gyrrls founder Relana Johnson, was sure to incorporate all of these things into a lavish and well-attended open house on March 28. Held at Mekhaskhen House, 5459 S. Drexel in Hyde Park, guests were pampered while they learned to stay fit – and to have fun doing it.

Visitors had the opportunity to watch Chef Ronald Taylor prepare tomato jam and shrimp pesto with linguine before being encouraged to participate in tutorials of techniques such as pole dancing, burlesque techniques and samba. “C’mon ladies,” was the mantra as Good Gyrrl instructors pulled ladies to the floor. Those who only wanted to watch sipped their wine sorbets and sampled Chef Taylor’s creations, all while giggling to dancing demonstrations that were once considered risque.

Focusing on losing inhibitions and being comfortable with personal sexuality, the Good Gyrrls instructors let it all hang out by showing snippets of their classes. Whether it was Kristina teaching the Samba class or Karla teaching breathing techniques for both you and your partner’s pleasure in the Tantra Yoga class, guests learned that you can tone and be sexy!

One instructor reminded us that anything we do as ladies can be sexy. “Let me show how you can make picking up keys sexy,” Shyvone said to the squeals of delighted guests. Shyvone teaches Tease 101 and 102: Gyrrlesque – the GoodGyrrls rendition of burlesque dancing – and yes there are different levels!

Heading to the lower level, ladies were shown that they too were fierce and could learn how to pole dance to prove it! After getting worked up with thoughts of what pole dancing can do to enhance both their figures and love lives, one could relax (or get further worked up – depending on how you look at it) with a massage. My favorite? The menage-a-sage. You guessed it: two men massaging one woman at the same time! Lord have mercy! The Good Fellas massage team of Terrance & Percy delighted in giving special attention to the clients. Michael Sullivan, owner of Toes by Bros, was on hand to give foot massages. Ladies were particularly delighted with the “Blow Job.” Shocked? Relax. The Blow Job simply consisted of a foot massage while Mr. Mike blew on his client’s toes.

Ms. Johnson is really on to something here. Sensual fitness on the south side? Yes honey! See you in class!

Good Gyrrl Instructors Shyvone and Karla demonstrate stretching techniques designed to enhance the experiences of both you and your partner.

A very relaxed Marcie enjoys the Good Fellas' menage-a-sage.