Norma was known by many as the "Queen of Swing." She was a dancer, choreographer, actress, author, and comedienne. In the movies, she danced and sang in memorable black-cast numbers in the Marx Brothers’ A Day at the Races (1937) and in the madcap Olsen and Johnson comedy Hellzapoppin’  (1941). In 2003 she was honored by the National Endowment for the Arts as a conservator of the Lindy Hop. With her own black companies, the Norma Miller Dancers and Norma Miller and Her Jazzmen, she joined early fights to undermine segregation in nightclubs and casinos where black entertainers drew big crowds but afterward had to leave through the kitchen and stay in segregated accommodations. Norma passed away in 2019 at the age of 99, but continues to inspire and educate dancers around the world through her legacy. Norma believed in and fought for inclusivity and acceptance. She said, "believe in each other, love one another, because you must replace hate with love."

We love you, Norma!

Text excerpts taken from National Visionary Leadership Project and The New York Times

Image Source: https://www.antiquesnavigator.com/d-2416884/1951-press-photo-norma-miller-hip-hop-swing-dancer-harlem-new-york-563.html

Continue learning about Norma Miller

• Stompin' at the Savoy: The Story of Norma Miller, by Alan Govenar. A grades 4-7 friendly biography/autobiography for the young women in your life.

• Swingin’ at the Savoy, by Norma Miller “Norma Miller shares her historical memoir of Harlem's legendary Savoy Ballroom and the phenomenal music and dance craze that spread the power of swing across the world.”

• Playlist HERE