Pbs: Sammy Davis, Jr.: Race, Comedy, and Segregation in 1960s Hollywood

Explore how segregation impacted entertainment in 1960s Hollywood in this video [4:38] from American Masters, Sammy Davis, Jr.:I've Gotta Be Me. Sammy Davis, Jr. had the kind of career that was indisputably legendary, vast in scope and scale. Davis strove to achieve the American Dream in a time of racial prejudice and shifting political territory. He was a member of the popular "Rat Pack," but their appearances often featured humor where Davis was the center of the joke. In this resource, students learn about Hollywood in the 1960s and challenges faced by black performers during the time of segregation. Support materials include discussion questions, vocabulary, and teaching tips on how to make connections to the world of comedy today.