About this source
Sally took a different path as a showgirl and created “The Show-Down” magazine, which was devoted to nightclub life and entertainment. In volume 1, number 1, “The Showdown” magazine is described as "a monthly publication, which caters to theatricals exclusively." The magazine featured night club reviews, show reviews, and features on performers. The magazine mainly covered New York, Indianapolis, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Kansas City, and St. Louis.
Initial impressions that I wonder
Before getting to know about this source, I was a little surprised based on the intro. It seems that the black people were not as expected, under huge depression, and no place/time to relief. I was wondering would the entertainment for black the same as most of the others in society? Were there any difficulties when starting those?
Context
This magazine was published during the Harlem Renaissance, which was the development of the Harlem neighborhood in New York City as a black cultural mecca in the early 20th century and the subsequent social and artistic explosion that resulted. Lasting roughly from the 1910s through the mid-1930s, the period is considered a golden age in African American culture, manifesting in literature, music, stage performance, and art.
In Conclusion
The Showdown is a great magazine that demonstrated how black people spend their spare time without worrying about work and social status. The magazine is decorated with a lot of masterpieces of drawing, which gives the readers an idea about the nightlife and entertainment during the time.
A question to end up with: Since history is growing, black people have more opportunities and benefits. How much impact do you think it has made throughout history?
Hi Jenny! I like the comment you made about seeing evidence of leisure and recreation in The Show Down--reading this magazine allowed folks to step away from work or other concerns. I think this is particularly interesting to study, especially in an age of extreme socioeconomic stratification. I agree with @Kelly Bell above, we can see examples of Black resistance and self-determination through art and music. We can still see the legacies of the Harlem Renaissance in American culture, music, and art today.