NAACP, Edwards Twins discuss cancelled Gamm show

Edwards Twins in studio with Tara to talk “blackface” controversy.

Posted by NewsTalk 99.7 & AM 630 WPRO on Monday, December 10, 2018

By WPRO News

NAACP Providence Executive Director Jim Vincent says the Gamm Theatre was right in reportedly pulling the plug on a performance of the tribute act The Edwards Twins for the use of darkening makeup while performing as Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder.

“You just should not be putting black makeup on [and] portraying black people. Just don’t do it. The history is so painful. It was demeaning, it was a put down, it was negative to such a degree that it is just something you stay away from,” he said.

But Anthony Edwards tells WPRO’s Tara Granahan this is nothing like the minstrel shows of past years, and more a sign of respect for those black acts.

“Ninety-eight percent of the African American community endorses what we do. And they love it,” he said.

The Gamm Theatre hasn’t commented on the exact reason the show was called off.

Listen to “NAACP President Providence Branch Jim Vincent” on Spreaker.

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