Hand Painted Black Americana CLOTHES BRUSH Circa Late 1930s to 1940s

This Black Americana Wooden Top CLOTHES BRUSH is in like-new condition measuring 4 ½” tall. Its head and upper body are composed of hand painted wooden spheres, featuring a red dress with a white collar and white buttons. The brush bristles skirt is adorned with red hand-painted polka dots, and the item is dateable to the 1930s - 1940s era. .

About Black Americana:  Black Americana treasures reflect African American history and its struggle against racial injustice. Opinion is divided on whether to preserve these artifacts, as some believe it prolongs racist attitudes while others see it as a way to educate future generations on the importance of tolerance and social justice.

Oprah Winfrey, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg, Spike Lee, and Anita Pointer (lead singer of the singing group, the Pointer Sisters), all collect Black Memorabilia, Lee used some of his objects in his movie Bamboozled. One of the largest collectors of Black Americana is Dr. David Pilgrim, who donated his large collection to Ferris University to found the Jim Crow Museum.

Dr. Pilgrim used a poignant quote to sum up the purpose of these artifacts: “Use items of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote social justice.”

For more information and to better understand Black Americana, visit the Jim Crow Museum at Ferris State University.