Final answer:
Blackface refers to a racist theatrical practice where white actors mocked African Americans, contributing to systemic racism. Notable figures like Bert Williams and Oscar Micheaux played roles in this context, with Micheaux challenging stereotypes through African American cinema. The practice is now recognized for its role in reinforcing segregation and racial stereotypes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Blackface is a theatrical practice with a legacy of racism and dehumanization. It originated in the mid-19th century when white actors used dark makeup to caricature and mock African Americans for entertainment. The name Jim Crow became associated with these performances, referencing a character by a white actor who donned blackface to play a buffoonish slave, reinforcing stereotypes and supporting racial segregation.
Performers like Bert Williams navigated this complex landscape; though a black performer, he too performed in blackface to conform to the minstrel traditions of the time. However, black performers and filmmakers like Oscar Micheaux later worked to create their own narratives, challenging racist portrayals and contributing to the development of African American cinema and theatre.
The harmful effects of blackface resonated well into the 20th century, deeply entwined with systemic racism in American society, and its legacy continues to be a subject of societal reflection and critique. Blackface entertainment and the Jim Crow ethos buttressed arguments for segregation and unequal treatment, which African American historians and civil rights organizations like the NAACP have tirelessly worked to overcome.