This short video was very interesting, I would really like to see more of this video.

Fabulous story. Five stars for the video. Thank you for sharing this!

Love the video presentation. Joan's Mom and Boxing Companion seem worthy of an indepth documentary treatment. Why not do some archival footage research to check for any available footage (in addition to the family treasure trove of photos and other memorabilia)?

What a wonderful piece of Black History! If this doesn't get shown (or get expanded as part of a PBS special), it will be a crime!

What a wonderful piece of Black History! If this doesn't get shown (or even expanded upon as a PBS special) it will be a crime.

Hundreds if not thousands of African-American ex-patriated to France in the teens, twenties and thirties of the last century to avoid the racism in America that held them back. Performers preceded the later migration of writers Richard Wright and James Baldwin. These performers were trailblazers and a part of a history of perserverance and survival. That Joan's mother was in the cast of "Shuffle Along" is historic enough, but her Moulin Rouge and boxing performances certainly add much to her achievements. What a fascinating life at a most intriguing time in world history.

I love this! A most interesting and triumphant tribute!

Great one, Joan!

drjazz

So glad to have had the opportunity to see this - it's not often we get such a wonderful glimpse of history that is captivating, charming and funny all rolled into one!
How lucky for you to still have this incredible story to share.

Joan, this is wonderful! What a career Rel had! I can hear the cheers and thunder of the crowds. I wish I could have been there, if only for a moment.
This is a real piece of history that shows the popularity of live entertainment. Unfortunately we still have the disconnect between the American and European Audience, that forced African-American performers to leave here before they achieved recognition.

This is great and I am passing it on to my friends.

Aunt Rel lives on

Joan, this is wonderful work and it's no wonder why your career has been so full. Performance runs deep in your family.

What an interesting piece of unknown history to add to a rich black heritage.

What an amazing woman and a real pioneer for women in sports.
We need more stories like this to inspire and make us reach for our dreams.
Determination, strength and a never-be-defeated attitude!
Thanks for this great piece of history- beautifully done!

What a great tribute! What courage and stamina this woman had and a creative side..out in the front, imagine women boxing back in the 20's! SO happy to hear more history from earlier times of successful black women.
Pilgrimsue
Bedford, MA

I thought this was an utterly charming look at a woman who held her place in the history of performance in this country and abroad. I was taken with Ms. Watson-Jones' buoyant narration and pride in showcasing her Mother's treasures.