Bert Williams(1874-1922)

His pride in his ethnicity and refusal to knuckle under to the prevalent racism of his era knew no bounds. The following incident is illustrative: While still a star with the Ziegfeld Follies, he walked into a bar and ordered a drink. The bartender, hoping to discourage him, told him that the price was $50.00 a drink. Williams immediately produced a roll of hundred dollar bills from his pocket and proceeded to treat the whole room to drinks.

[To Eddie Cantor, on the racist treatment he received] "You know, it wouldn't be so bad, Eddie, if I didn't hear that applause still ringing in my ears."