Picture Blog #3: Lew Leslie’s Blackbird Theatre group, 1937

This black and white photograph was taken in February 1937 as members of Lew Leslie’s Blackbird Theatre group laid a wreath at the William Wilberforce Monument in the centre of Hull.

The African American troupe had completed successful performances in the West End of London before they travelled to Hull and dazzled locals in the Palace Theatre. Among the group were Tim Moore and composer J. Rosamond Johnson (click HERE to listen to the well-known song ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing') which he composed and wrote with his brother James Weldon Johnson as well as other talented singers, comedians and dancers.

If you know more about this photograph or would like to submit an image for display on our website, please do not hesitate to contact us HERE. You can view other project images in our Picture Gallery HERE.

*Thanks to Vanessa Salter and Hull Museums for supplying us with this image.