Beyond Blackface: Cultural Appropriation, Entertainment, and Popular Culture

Beyond Blackface: Cultural Appropriation, Entertainment, and Popular Culture

Date and Time

Location

View Map

Description:

Beyond Blackface: A Conversation about Cultural Appropriation in Entertainment and Popular Culture

DC based performance troupe Chocolate City Burlesque and Cabaret in collaboration with Busboys and Poets is sponsoring a discussion on cultural appropriation in the performance and entertainment.
We are inviting the community to engage in a conversation about blackface and appropriation in entertainment industry both historically and with regard to current trends.

The event will cover:

-Definition(s) of cultural appropriation

-Historic context of cultural appropriation in entertainment

-Current climate/prevalence (Cosplay, Burlesque, Drag, Popular Culture, etc.)

-How to appreciate cultures without appropriating cultures

Panelists include:

Chocolate City Burlesque and Cabaret Performers:

Eva Mystique

Maki Roll, who will discuss cultural appropriation in the cosplay community

Chris Jay

Leslie Hinkson, PhD Georgetown University Department of Sociology

Moderated by Dainty Dandridge

Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1672258632987527/

Chocolate City Burlesque and Cabaret is dedicated to celebrating and preserving the art of Black Burlesque.

Mission:
to preserve and diffuse the art and history of Black Burlesque, Cabaret, Sideshow and Variety as well as create safe and accessible spaces for Black performers and audiences.

Vision:

  • All performance is held to high esteem regardless of the race, nationality, affiliation, size, ability, gender presentation, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status of the performer
  • Everything from venue to audition contributes to fulfilling performance experiences
  • Audiences will have a broad burlesque and cabaret experience
  • There will be a continued diffusion of buzz and excitement around black burlesque and cabaret
  • There is no such thing as performance that is too obscure or too black
  • To the best of ability, broadly support black performance
  • Provide spirited stewardship to the burlesque and variety community as a whole

Free and open to the public.

America Connected: Runway of the World

May 25, 2026 5:30 pm

America Connected: Runway of the World

Performance | 14th & V

America Connected: Runway of the World

America Connected: Runway of the World

May 25, 2026 5:30 pm

Performance | 14th & V

Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Roscoe Burnems

May 25, 2026 8:00 pm

Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Roscoe Burnems

Poetry Reading/Open Mic | Shirlington

Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Roscoe Burnems

Monday Night Open Mic hosted by Roscoe Burnems

May 25, 2026 8:00 pm

Poetry Reading/Open Mic | Shirlington

Book Launch - Book Talk and Signing (Langston Room/Stage)

May 26, 2026 5:30 pm

Book Launch - Book Talk and Signing (Langston Room/Stage)

Author/Book Event | 14th & V

Book Launch - Book Talk and Signing (Langston Room/Stage)

Book Launch - Book Talk and Signing (Langston Room/Stage)

May 26, 2026 5:30 pm

Author/Book Event | 14th & V

Tuesday Night Open Mic hosted by Glo Shines

May 26, 2026 8:00 pm

Tuesday Night Open Mic hosted by Glo Shines

Poetry Reading/Open Mic | 14th & V

Tuesday Night Open Mic hosted by Glo Shines

Tuesday Night Open Mic hosted by Glo Shines

May 26, 2026 8:00 pm

Poetry Reading/Open Mic | 14th & V