(The above picture is not the magician I’m talking about, just a picture I decided to use.)
IT’s not everyday I hear about magicians that are African American. Well,
today that all has changed. I’m glad to hear
about it.
African AMerican Illusionist/magician
Richard Potter was the first Black magician
in America. He is America’s first successful
stage musician, hypnotist and ventriloQuist.
He got his education in Europe before
his 25 year career performing in
post revolutionary America.
Potter first advertised his show November
2, 1811. in Boston at the Columbian
Museum. Potter performed in Boston,
New England and Canada. It was said that
Potter climbed a rope and disappeared while
performing outdoor surrounded by
an audience.
Richard could crawl through a log
and also make bird sounds. The Potter
estate he had consisted of several
rooms on the first floor, and the
2nd floor was a big room.
Richard Potter made $4800 for
a 20 day engagement in Alabama in
the early 1800s. He had a prestidigitation
with eggs, money and cards and performed
at Columbia Museum in Boston.
Potter could throw knives and touch
a hot iron to his tongue, walk on flames
and dance on eggs without breaking them.
His son even performed magic too.
My source:
http://www.aaregistry.com/african_american_history/2653…cians_Richard_Potter
