This Black Ballerina Was Told To Paint Her Face White To Perform

She’d been practicing for years just for this moment. She floated onto the stage with a poise that had their mouths on the floor. As she’d hoped, the company wanted her as their star ballerina – but only on one racist condition.

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2-Minute Black History is produced by PushBlack, the nation's largest non-profit Black media company. PushBlack exists to amplify the stories of Black history you didn't learn in school. You make PushBlack happen with your contributions at BlackHistoryYear.com — most people donate $10 a month, but every dollar makes a difference. If this episode moved you, share it with your people! Thanks for supporting the work.

The production team for this podcast includes Cydney Smith, Len Webb, and Lilly Workneh. Our editors are Lance John and Avery Phillips from Gifted Sounds Network. Julian Walker serves as executive producer."

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