Thesis Statement:

Florence Mills influenced theater of the Harlem Renaissance by using her career to help
break down the barriers of prejudice, encouraging African Americans to follow in her
footsteps and fight for what they believe in, and brought appreciation to African American
performers in society.

I. Introduction (paragraph 1)
A. Florence Mills was a theater performer who started her career during the Harlem
Renaissance.
B. She was the first African American to be headlined on Broadway. In addition, she
performed in “Shuffle Along.”
C. Florence Mills influenced theater of the Harlem Renaissance by using her career
to help break down the barriers of prejudice, encouraging African Americans to
follow in her footsteps and fight for what they believe in, and brought
appreciation to African American performers in society.
II. Break down barriers of prejudice #1 (paragraph 2)
Topic Sentence—Florence Mills’ use of her career to break down the barriers of
prejudice affected the Harlem Renaissance by helping African Americans have more
opportunities in the performing arts field.
A. She used her performances to show that her talent was just as good as anyone
else’s.
B. She demonstrated the uniqueness of her African American culture while on stage.
C. She mesmerized her audience in London despise the odds.
III. Encouraged African Americans to follow in her foot steps and fight for what they
believe in#2 (paragraph 3)
Topic Sentence—Florence Mills’ affected the Harlem Renaissance in the way she
encouraged African Americans to follow in her footsteps.
A. She encouraged African Americans to overcome all the obstacles that were
present during the Harlem Renaissance era.
B. She believed that if an African American wanted to be on Broadway, no matter
what the circumstances they should fight to be where they want to be.
C. She said if African Americans didn’t fight for what they believe in, it would affect
them greatly in the future.
IV. Brought appreciation to African American performers in society #3 (paragraph 4)
Topic Sentence—Florence Mills’ affected the Harlem Renaissance in they way she
brought appreciation to African American performers in society.
A. She helped African American performers reach the limelight that helped them be
more appreciated in society.
B. She used her talents to show people that African Americans were just as good as
whites.
C. The way she performed helped people notice how good African American
performers where.
V. Conclusion

A. Florence Mills’ really helped African Americans during the Harlem Renaissance.
She made everything so much easier for the African Americans especially when
African Americans wanted to be performers and people wouldn’t let them
because of their color. Not many people would use their career to help their
culture but she on the other hand did

B. Florence Mills influenced theater of the Harlem Renaissance by using her career
to help break down the barriers of prejudice, encouraging African Americans to
follow in her footsteps and fight for what they believe in, and brought
appreciation to African American performers in society.

C. I am very proud of what Florence Mills did during the Harlem Renaissance era.
She was such am influential woman to me. I am surprised that such a young
woman would risk her career to help others. I wonder what really encouraged her
to do this. To help her fellow African American’s. Did she accomplish what she
wanted before she died? Was she proud of the work she did? These are all
questions I would ask Florence Mills if she was still alive.