The Vaudeville Actress Who Refused To Be A Stereotype

Born in New York City on Valentine’s Day 1880, Aida Overton began her career while still a teenager — as a chorus member of “Black Patti’s Troubadours.”



While performing with the group, Aida met her future husband, prominent vaudeville performer George Walker.





Williams and Walker were one of the few all-black acts allowed to perform on white vaudeville stages





Tragically, Aida died suddenly on October 1, 1914, at age 34, from kidney failure.




While Aida’s life was cut short, she left behind a important legacy.
As I’ll Keep You Posted notes:
“[Aida] was renowned in her own community as an activist for both black entertainment and women’s equality. Aida opened the doors for the show business daughters… like Lottie Gee, Florence Mills, Ethel Waters and even Josephine Baker.”

http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/the-vaudeville-actress-who-refused-to-be-a-stereotype