L. Tom Perry Special Collections at the Harold B. Lee Library at Brigham Young University is celebrating Black History Month with a free exhibit honoring John William Sublett, known as “Mr. Bubbles,” on the first floor.
“Mr. Bubbles” was an American vaudeville performer, dancer, singer and entertainer. He is known as the father of “rhythm tap” and was one of the first black artists to perform at Radio City Music Hall. He also influenced tap dancers throughout the nation, including Fred Astaire.
The exhibit has pictures and mementos from Sublett’s life, including a collection of notes and signed photographs from other famous stars from the same era and a video featuring his particular style of tap dancing.
Additionally, the Education in Zion Gallery in the Joseph F. Smith building is hosting a Family Home Evening Monday, Feb. 25 at 6, 7 and 8 p.m. dedicated to notable Black figures in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as Jane Manning James and Samuel D. Chambers. For more information about the FHE, visit www.educationinzion.byu.edu.
For more information about the exhibit, contact Roger Layton, (801) 422-6687, roger_layton@byu.edu.
Writer: Hwa Lee
