Results: Madame Abomah ("The African Giantess"), Part 6 of 7
Published on 08/13/2025
In the late 1800's through the early 1900's, Madame Abomah had a 30-year career appearing in theatres, music halls, and sideshows around the world as a singer and 7 ft 6 inch "giantess." Ella Williams was billed as a fearsome Amazon fighter from West Africa, but was actually born in the USA.
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In addition to entertaining the audience by lifting weights, bending iron bars, and carrying people on her shoulders; according to the New Zealand Press, Ella sang "in a pleasing voice and with good effect". Unfortunately, despite her elegant demeanor, her employers required her to sing Minstrel Songs, which were rooted in racist blackface. The disgusting lyrics reinforced negative stereotypes of African Americans as uncultured, lazy, and dim-witted. How do you think Ella felt about having to sing repulsive songs like, "All C_ _ns Look Alike to Me"? (Please choose all options that apply.)
Degraded
24%
481 votes
Powerless
17%
336 votes
Humiliated
24%
484 votes
She hated it, but it seemed less outrageous in that era than it does now.
10%
207 votes
Her parents had been slaves. She felt at least she was getting paid for her efforts.
6%
116 votes
She disliked it, but it gave her a living, and a chance to travel.
12%
237 votes
She didn't care what the audience thought, she was secure in her own identity.
6%
127 votes
It was just another day at work.
5%
107 votes
She enjoyed singing Minstrel Songs.
2%
49 votes
Other
2%
32 votes
N/A
45%
909 votes
Angry
16%
324 votes
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