Born in 1878 in Richmond’s Jackson Ward, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson did not inherit ease. He inherited survival.
Orphaned young, he found rhythm before he found security. Instead of letting the world bend his back, he stood straight and tapped anyway.
He did not shuffle.
He clarified tap. Clean lines. Upright posture. Dignity in every strike of the shoe.
He
• Redefined tap dancing
• Became one of the highest-paid entertainers of his era
• Performed with excellence on segregated stages without lowering himself
• Created the legendary stair dance
• Gave generously back to Richmond
And when the city would not install a traffic light in Jackson Ward to protect Black children crossing the street, he did not argue.
He reached into his own pocket. He paid for the light. Not for praise. For protection.
Today his bronze statue stands in Jackson Ward beneath that light, shoes mid step, forever guarding the intersection.
On screen with Shirley Temple, he smiled.
Off screen, he built safety.
And Scripture whispers underneath his steps:
“Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.”
— Proverbs 22:29
He stood before kings.
But he made sure children could cross safely at home.
From Jackson Ward to Broadway lights, he proved something we still hold close:
You can climb the stairs without bowing.
And you can light the street when the city will not.
And somewhere in Jackson Ward, if you listen close enough, you can still hear the stairs answering his shoes.
May we be the kind of people who do not just climb them, but leave the light on behind us.
BREADCRUMB
Sometimes progress dances—and still changes the street.
We see you, Bill “Bojangles” Robinson — for dancing forward and making the way safer behind you.
Bread Crumbs — for those coming after us.
Victorious without reward. Still here.
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