#5WomenArtists: Women's History Month at BAM

By Sue Yung

To raise awareness of Women’s History Month (March), in 2016 the National Museum of Women in the Arts started a social media campaign—#5WomenArtists—asking people to share examples of female artists by posting on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This month, BAM is participating by highlighting some of the many early, pioneering women who have appeared on its stages since it opened in 1861. While the national campaign focuses on artists, many civic and business leaders have also been presented at BAM—not only an arts center, but frequently a gathering place for public events over the years.

From the Archives: Groundbreaking Black Artistry at BAM

In honor of Black History Month, we turned to the BAM Hamm Archives to learn more about some of the numerous legendary black artists who’ve graced our stages over the years. Many of these artists deeply integrated activism and their support for civil rights and equality into their art.

Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson was a pioneering artist best known for singing the iconic “Ol’ Man River” in stage and film productions of Show Boat. In 1931, he also performed a one-night song recital at BAM's very own Howard Gilman Opera House. In 2015, BAM presented the story of the civil rights activist and performer in the theatrical production The Tallest Tree in the Forest.

 

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