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By Anslem Samuel | Published March 30, 2012 | Full size is 620 × 480 pixels

MABEL HAMPTON: Today, Hampton is noted as an activist and philanthropist but she actually got her start as a dancer and housekeeper. During the height of the Harlem Renaissance, she preformed alongside such popular talents as Jackie "Moms" Mabley, which provided her with the opportunity to network with noteworthy political, artistic and cultural gay/lesbian figures of the day. During most of her adult years she collected memorabilia and records that document the historical shifts in arts, culture, race and sexuality. Hampton would eventually become an early supporter of the Lesbian Herstory Archives by donating items from her collection to the preservation of lesbian history. In addition, she utilized her modest income to contribute to numerous gay and lesbian rights organizations. She also marched in the first National Gay and Lesbian March on Washington in 1979 and was a spokesperson on gay/lesbian issues through various public appearances.

MABEL HAMPTON: Today, Hampton is noted as an activist and philanthropist but she actually got…

(Image: Courtesy of Lesbian Herstory Archives)