She took the stage with swagger. Her top hat and tuxedo perfectly complemented her full

figure. The music started, she leaned forward on her walking cane, then she spewed out

the filthy as lyrics ever heard, right into their shocked faces. This is Two Minute Black

History, what you didn't learn in school.

Gladys Bentley was a whole lot of things, but she definitely was not shy. During the Harlem

Renaissance, when so many black women performers were looked down upon, she found a way to make

everyone take notice. Even though she wore beautiful makeup on her face, she draped

her full figure in men's formal wear, complete with a top hat and cane. But that wasn't

all she did to grab her audience's attention. As a blue singer, her fame spread far and

wide partially because she used her musical talent to create and perform some of the

raunchiest most profane songs ever. She was also openly gay during the time when that

was very rare. While her fans loved her music, there was one group who certainly did not.

Not only did they have her performances rated, they tried to have the nightclubs who hosted

her shut down. None of it worked. Bentley kept doing her thing. She inspired fans and

many black future performers to be just who they wanted to be. Bentley's style and performances

may have been controversial, but she was a beloved fixture of the Harlem Renaissance

Nightclub scene. As Bentley's refusal to conform to social norms of the day demonstrates,

we must always bring our true selves to the table. We are incredible just as we are.

In order to move towards the future, you've got to look to the past. This has been Two Minute Black

History, a podcast by Push Black. If you enjoyed this episode and want to show your support,

please rate and subscribe to our podcast. Together, let's celebrate and honor the legacy of Black

history.

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