The desegregation of nightclubs and other entertainment venues was a major milestone in the civil rights movement of the mid-20th century. An individual who played an instrumental role in this process was Sammy Davis Jr., an African-American singer, dancer, and actor who rose to stardom during this period. While Davis was a successful performer in his own right, his impact was even more profound due to his widespread impact on other entertainers and the public at large.
Davis was known for his willingness to perform in desegregated venues and his refusal to accept unequal treatment of performers or audience members based on race. This strong stance and Davis's celebrity status resulted in a number of popular nightclubs becoming desegregated just so he could perform there. In doing so, Davis helped break down barriers and pave the way for further civil rights advances.