Robert Lee Vann and Jeni Le Gon, 1930s

Item Overview

Title

Robert Lee Vann and Jeni Le Gon, 1930s

Date Created

[1930s?]

Date

1930/1939

Language

No linguistic content

Collection

Walter L. Gordon, Jr./William C. Beverly, Jr. Collection

Notes

Summary

Jeni LeGon (also spelled Le Gon, Ligon, and Lygon) was born in Chicago, Illinois, growing up in its "Black Belt." By the time she was 13, she had successfully auditioned for the Count Basie Orchestra's chorus line. She was the first black woman to sign an extended contract with MGM, and danced in 24 films. She also worked as an actress and dance instructor, and has received a number of honors for her contributions to the arts.
Robert L. Vann was the legal counsel for the African American newspaper, the Pittsburgh Courier, and after 1910 he also became its publisher and editor. Under his leadership, the paper became one of the black newspapers with the highest circulation in the United States. He was also an attorney. Vann died in 1940.

Description

All information concerning the content and description of the image was provided by Walter Gordon.

Physical Description

Extent

1 photograph : b&w

Keywords

Genre

Black-and-white photographs

Names

Le Gon, Jeni, 1916-2012
Vann, Robert L., 1879-1940

Location

Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh

Resource type

still image

Subjects

People

African American newspaper editors--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh
Women dancers--United States
African American dancers