How did Sammy Davis Jr contribute to black history?

Sammy Davis Jr. was a prominent African American entertainer who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and the civil rights movement. He was a dancer, singer, comedian, actor, and multi-instrumentalist.

Davis began his career at a young age and was taught by his father, Sammy Davis Sr., and other vaudeville performers. During World War II, Davis joined the Army, where he for the first time confronted racial prejudice.

After his discharge from the Army, Davis resumed his career and quickly began to achieve success on his own. Davis was a member of the famous Rat Pack, which included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and others. He was also a civil rights activist and supported the movement during the 1960s.

Davis appeared publicly with leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and raised thousands of dollars in benefit concerts to support civil rights activists. He also refused to work at venues that practiced racial segregation, which eventually led to the integration of Miami Beach, Florida nightclubs and Las Vegas, Nevada casinos.