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- Early Experiences of Racism
- Breaking The Colour Barrier
- Inter-Racial Romance and The Kennedys
- Civil Rights Activities
- Involvement with President Richard Nixon
Sammy’s experiences following his drafting into the Army in 1944 were pivotal for his understanding of race relations in America. Previously he had been shielded to a large extent by his father from the realities of black experience. But at Fort Warren, Cheyenne in Wyoming, during basic training, he was subjected to the full brunt of threatened whi...
Davis was a pioneer on stage as well. He noticed that black performers tended to address only one another on stage – a stylistic holdover from vaudeville – maintaining a fourth wall between themselves and white audiences. Davis engaged white audiences directly, later attributing his uncanny ability to connect with an audience to this breakthrough. ...
One aspect of Sammy’s life caused continual controversy: he was an inveterate playboy and frequently seen in the company of white women at a time when miscegenation was still illegal in more than 20 States. A relationship with Kim Novak in 1957 had led to death threats from the mob and a hastily arranged marriage to an African American dancer, Lora...
Sammy became a regular supporter of civil rights causes, starting with concerts in 1961 in support of Martin Luther King’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, at Carnegie Hall in January with Sinatra and Dean Martin, and in Los Angeles in June. Throughout the mid-1960s, Sammy would become one of the civil rights movement’s greatest financial ...
Starting in 1969, Sammy had regularly socialised with Robert J. Brown, a management consultant who had been close friends with Martin Luther King, and was on the board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Brown was now working as a special assistant to President Nixon, and was responsible for recommendations on urban policy. In conversa...
In 1972, in a public show of support, Sammy Davis Jr., a lifelong Democrat, famously gave President Richard M. Nixon a hug on stage at a Republican convention rally. Nixon was running...
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Mar 2, 2023 · Sammy Davis Jr. Performs at the White House - March 3rd, 1973. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Sammy Davis Jr. performing at the White House Subscribe to the Richard Nixon...
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- Richard Nixon Foundation
Dec 2, 2018 · In 1972 Davis once again caused controversy by giving President Richard Nixon a warm hug during the Republican National Convention in Miami. Davis had a long successful career which included Broadway performances, a Grammy Hall of Fame Award, and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety, Music and Comedy Special.
Feb 23, 2023 · Sammy Davis Jr. with President Richard Nixon in the Oval Office, Washington, D.C., 1975. (Photo/Afro American Newspapers-Gado-Getty Images-Forward) Some African Americans saw Davis’ alignment with Nixon and the Republicans as a betrayal.
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Aug 22, 2014 · Perhaps the highlight of the 1972 Republican convention, President Nixon addressed criticism of Sammy Davis Jr., who was master of ceremonies for the entertainment portion of the rally, because of his support of Richard Nixon and for having been invited to the White House.