ALDERSON W.Va. (WVDN) – Before Black History Month comes to an end, I would like to honor the remarkable Ada “Bricktop” Smith and recognize her contributions to the arts, culture, and the African-American community.
Born on Aug. 14, 1894, in Alderson, West Virginia, Ada “Bricktop” Smith’s flaming red hair and freckles earned her the nickname “Bricktop,” a name that would become synonymous with her vibrant personality and successful career. The red hair stemmed from the Irish side of her heritage.
She was the youngest of four children, born to a Black father and a mixed-race mother who was born two years before the Emancipation Proclamation. After her father’s death when she was just four years old, the family relocated from Alderson, West Virginia, to Chicago, where she spent most of her youth.
Imbued with the spirit and creativity that would later define her legacy, Smith found her calling as a jazz singer and dancer. She began performing at the age of 5, and by the age of 16, she was touring the vaudeville circuit.
In 1924 she performed in Paris and by 1926 she opened her own nightclub in Paris Chez Bricktop. She went on to open other clubs in New York, and New Mexico. Smith married one time, but was separated after a few years; she never divorced due to her Catholic beliefs and didn’t have any children.
Her journey from the small town of Alderson to the bustling metropolises of New York and Paris reflects the indomitable spirit of African-American excellence. As an icon of the Jazz Age, Bricktop helped us appreciate the diverse tapestry of history and the invaluable contributions of individuals who paved the way for future Black artists to thrive in the entertainment world.
A trailblazer in a predominantly white industry, Smith made significant contributions to the entertainment industry during the Harlem Renaissance, a period of cultural and artistic flourishing for African Americans. As a nightclub owner, hostess and performer, she played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of her time.
Her impact on the arts, her influence on the Harlem nightlife scene, and her resilience in the face of racial barriers have solidified her status as a prominent and celebrated African-American figure in history.
Ada “Bricktop” Smith’s story is a testament to the transformative power of art, entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. By recognizing her during Black History Month, we not only celebrate her contributions to the entertainment industry but also her roots in Alderson, where the seeds of her remarkable journey were first sown.
Smith died peacefully in her sleep at her Manhattan apartment at the age of 89. She is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery in New York City.
A sign dedicated to Smith and her incredible life is located in Alumni Park on the Monroe side of Alderson. The sign was provided by the Pomeroy Foundation, an organization well known for its historical markers. According to local, Margaret Hambrick, the sign is on the Monroe side, because that is the area where Bricktop is believed to have lived. Hambrick also stated that a tribute concert is held in Smith’s honor every August on the Alderson Bridge.
As we reflect on the legacy of Ada “Bricktop” Smith, let us honor her pioneering spirit, unwavering resilience, and enduring impact on the cultural landscape, while also acknowledging the rich tapestry of African-American history and the diverse voices that have shaped our world.
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