October 3, 1928
On October 3, 1928, the New York Amsterdam News ran an article praising the creativity, depth, talent, and commitment that went into the opening of Earl Dancer’s “Deep Harlem,” performed at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem that Monday. The cast of “Deep Harlem” commemorated the history, culture, and progress of their people through performing what the New York Amsterdam News described as “by far the most impressive imposing scenes which have ever been staged in a local theatre.”
Serving as a cultural, artistic, and social hub for African Americans during this time, the neighborhood of Harlem rose to its height during this Harlem Renaissance thanks to various forms of artistic expression, such as that demonstrated in Earl Dancer’s “Deep Harlem.” The show, as the article describes, depicted the enslavement and plantation work of the Kushite tribe. The adoration of the all African-American show highlights African American’s pride in their people’s culture. Today, African-American television channels such as BET help to showcase and highlight the culture and talent of the African-American community.