SEGREGATION/ DISCRIMINATION IN PERFORMING ARTS

Segregation impacted Dunham's career in several ways, but it pushed her to fight for social/racial justice.  For example, she refused to perform in segregated theaters and made sure to include people of different ethnicities in her performances.  Katherine inspired them to not give into an unaccepting society; showing audiences the beauty of her people and that all cultures belong on stage.Though she mentions it was "not always easy" to try and help prevent racial segregation, "it had to be done".

GREAT DEPRESSION

Katherine's career was taking off during the time of the Great Depression, a time of severe recession of the American economy (illustrated in picture above). In such troubling times, Katherine and her performances were a beacon of hope and light, at least for those able to attend. The lively shows served as a sort of escape for the struggles of everyday life during the depression.  

Credit: Library of Congress (image above and to the left)