Galveston event brings Black pioneers Bessie Smith and Jack Johnson to life

Living-history interpreters portray the 'Empress of the Blues' and the first Black world heavyweight champion

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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On Thursday evening at Galveston's Old Central Cultural Center, living-history interpreters Rebecca Marks Jimerson and James Armstead brought to life early 20th-century Black pioneers Bessie Smith, the 'Empress of the Blues', and Galveston-born prize fighter Jack Johnson, the first Black world heavyweight champion.

Why it matters

The event highlighted the significant contributions of two influential African American figures from the early 1900s, helping to educate the community about important Black history and culture.

The details

The performance featured Jimerson portraying the legendary blues singer Bessie Smith, known as the 'Empress of the Blues', and Armstead depicting Galveston-born boxer Jack Johnson, the first Black world heavyweight champion. The living-history interpreters faithfully recreated the lives and legacies of these pioneering African American icons through their dramatic performances.

  • The event took place on Thursday evening, February 20, 2026.
  • Bessie Smith and Jack Johnson were prominent figures in the early 20th century.

The players

Rebecca Marks Jimerson

A living-history interpreter who portrayed legendary blues singer Bessie Smith, known as the 'Empress of the Blues'.

James Armstead

A living-history interpreter who portrayed Galveston-born prize fighter Jack Johnson, the first Black world heavyweight champion.

Bessie Smith

An influential African American blues singer known as the 'Empress of the Blues' who was a prominent figure in the early 20th century.

Jack Johnson

The first Black world heavyweight champion, a pioneering African American boxer from Galveston, Texas in the early 1900s.

Old Central Cultural Center

A cultural venue in Galveston, Texas where the event took place.

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The takeaway

This event provided an engaging and educational experience for the Galveston community, bringing to life the important legacies of two pioneering African American figures from the early 20th century and highlighting their significant contributions to history and culture.