An Unwelcomed Guest
Even though Sammy Davis Jr. went to Chicago to support Jesse Jackson’s organization, he didn’t get a warm welcome. Instead, he was met with hatred. According to Vanity Fair, Sammy was booed when he got on stage, and only performed one song before leaving. He then told Marsh, “Never again. Never again am I going to extend myself.” And honestly, who could blame him? He was only trying to do the right thing.
Sammy Davis Jr. Photo by Alan Davidson / Shutterstock
One of Sammy Davis’s associates explained, “If you were there that night, you’d think, ‘no wonder he hugged Nixon.’” Because of his Hollywood status and successful career, Sammy rubbed shoulders with predominantly white people. Unfortunately, it disappointed many members of the black community.