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Wow. Truly inspirational on so many levels! Thank you for this post, Diamond-Michael. You know, I think I saw him on Ed Sullivan when I was a child. I was born in the 60s, so I was quite young, and my memories of much that I saw on television in those days are dim, at best, but the name “Peg-Leg Bates” immediately rang a bell, and the video felt oddly familiar. (That’s not something you see every day!) Of course, I had no idea of Mr. Bates' business acumen, which would be noteworthy even today, but under the circumstances and at that point in time? His wealth of achievements are indeed extraordinary!

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Aug 29, 2023Liked by Diamond-Michael Scott

Had no idea. Thanks for sharing his accomplishments. Another inspirational post.

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Aug 29, 2023·edited Aug 29, 2023Liked by Diamond-Michael Scott

Oh my God. I'd never heard of Peg Leg Bates. That is one of the most extraordinary dance clips I've ever seen. Just breathtaking. Thank you!

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Hi, Lenora. As a child of the 60’s I, too, remember the Ed Sullivan Show. But I was unfamiliar with Mr Bates until last night. I literally fell out of my seat in the wee hours of the morning while immersed in research for this piece.

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Thanks Pat.

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Thank you for elevating the indomitable, irrepressible, effervescent and gracious Peg Leg Bates. I grew up near his establishment and he was a regular presenter at our school. He deserves every mention, accolade and salute. He was an original, a civil rights champion and a true self made man. I can't cheer this post enough.

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I know, right. Loved diving into his story. So sad that his achievements aren’t more broadly recognized. I am now hoping to change that narrative for him and other esoteric Black figures.

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