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Story
June 17, 1933
Twin City Herald
Minneapolis, Robbinsdale, Hennepin County, Minnesota
What is this article about?
Louis Mason, a Black student at South High School, wins first place for his dramatic performance in a school play, but the judge later expresses regret upon learning his race, revealing prejudice. Despite this, Mason's achievement is honored.
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Race South High Student Awarded Dramatic Honor
PREJUDICED JUDGE DID NOT KNOW YOUTH'S NATIONALITY
Louis Mason, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Mason of Elliot Avenue, won first place for his exceptionally fine dramatic performance at South High School, Thursday night.
The class in dramatics has followed the practice since 1927 of picking students from the class each season who have shown more than ordinary ability in their interpretation of the plays in which they took part.
Thursday night four plays were presented, one of which was a Russian sketch in which Louis Mason revealed remarkable talent. His performance was equal to that of a seasoned actor. Applause followed his act, but the real thrill came when the judge announced that the first place for individual performance was won by Louis Mason.
But the next day brought disillusionment for the young man. While being congratulated by his director he was approached by the Judge of the night before who told him had he known that Louis was a Colored boy he would never have awarded him first place. This American gentleman comes from the University of Wisconsin and at one time taught dramatics at South High. Louis' fellow students and teachers were quite indignant over the attitude and obvious prejudice of the Judge.
Nevertheless Louis' name will go on the cup which will be on display at the school.
Louis enters the University of Minnesota in the fall. He has made a splendid record at South High in all branches.
PREJUDICED JUDGE DID NOT KNOW YOUTH'S NATIONALITY
Louis Mason, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Louis Mason of Elliot Avenue, won first place for his exceptionally fine dramatic performance at South High School, Thursday night.
The class in dramatics has followed the practice since 1927 of picking students from the class each season who have shown more than ordinary ability in their interpretation of the plays in which they took part.
Thursday night four plays were presented, one of which was a Russian sketch in which Louis Mason revealed remarkable talent. His performance was equal to that of a seasoned actor. Applause followed his act, but the real thrill came when the judge announced that the first place for individual performance was won by Louis Mason.
But the next day brought disillusionment for the young man. While being congratulated by his director he was approached by the Judge of the night before who told him had he known that Louis was a Colored boy he would never have awarded him first place. This American gentleman comes from the University of Wisconsin and at one time taught dramatics at South High. Louis' fellow students and teachers were quite indignant over the attitude and obvious prejudice of the Judge.
Nevertheless Louis' name will go on the cup which will be on display at the school.
Louis enters the University of Minnesota in the fall. He has made a splendid record at South High in all branches.
What sub-type of article is it?
Biography
Personal Triumph
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
Social Manners
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Dramatic Award
Racial Prejudice
High School Performance
Judge Bias
Student Achievement
What entities or persons were involved?
Louis Mason
Mr. And Mrs. Louis Mason
Judge
Where did it happen?
South High School
Story Details
Key Persons
Louis Mason
Mr. And Mrs. Louis Mason
Judge
Location
South High School
Event Date
Thursday Night
Story Details
Louis Mason excels in a dramatic performance at South High School, winning first place unaware to the judge of his race; the judge later admits prejudice and regrets the award, but Mason's name is still honored on the cup as he prepares for university.