Hubbard County Historical Society Defends Tribute to Clown Who Performed in Blackface
Residents are questioning the tribute as the museum defends Mack’s military service and community roles, while a Facebook post has widened the debate.
- Park Rapids residents are questioning a Hubbard County Historical Society exhibit featuring Bud Mack, a local veteran and performing clown who wore blackface, after a Facebook post sparked community conversation.
- According to the Smithsonian Institution, blackface originated in 1830s minstrel shows where performers used makeup to mock African Americans; the NMAAHC notes these performances cannot be separated from the racial derision at their core.
- Sharon Condiff confirmed her father's makeup was blackface but denied racial prejudice, while Hubbard County Historical Society President Nancy Newman maintained that Mack, inspired by Emmett Kelly, intended only to bring smiles.
- The exhibit includes photos of Mack, a veteran and Scouting volunteer. Newman described the tribute as a "political discrepancy" while a June 29 program will further address community concerns.
- Institutions continue to face modern instances of blackface, often resulting in claims that no malice was intended. The NMAAHC highlights the ongoing difficulty of separating historical figures' personal contributions from the racial imagery they employed.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Duluth News Tribune
Hubbard County Historical Society defends tribute to clown who performed in blackface
PARK RAPIDS, Minn. — Park Rapids area residents are questioning a Hubbard County Historical Society tribute to a local veteran and performing clown who wore blackface. A local Facebook post questioning the exhibit, a tribute to veteran Bud Mack, has sparked community conversation prior to a June 29 program, presented by Mack’s daughter, Sharon Condiff. The small exhibit at the museum includes a painting and photos that show Mack, who was white, …
Hubbard County museum’s tribute to blackface clown raises eyebrows
Park Rapids area residents are questioning a Hubbard County Historical Society tribute to local veteran and performing clown Bud Mack. A local Facebook post questioning the exhibit has sparked community conversation prior to a June 29 program, presented by Mack’s daughter, Sharon Condiff. The small exhibit at the museum includes a painting and photos that show Mack wearing blackface make-up, with large oval eyes and lips outlined in white agains…
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