On this day, March 19, 1897, Loretta Mary Aiken, better known as comedian Jackie “Moms” Mabley, was born in North Carolina.
Beginning her career on the Black vaudeville circuit, she quickly became a foundational figure in American comedy. With her iconic “Moms” persona — a world-weary, straight-talking older woman in a housedress and floppy hat — she used humor as a tool to critique social and political realities, tackling edgy topics like race and politics with sharp social commentary.
She broke significant industry barriers, becoming the first female comedian to perform at the Apollo Theater, where she appeared numerous times and more than any other performer in history.
Beyond the Apollo, Mabley’s talents graced Harlem Renaissance theaters, the silver screen and mainstream television. In 1967, she starred in an all-Black comedy show produced by Harry Belafonte.
After a long, groundbreaking career that heavily influenced future generations of stand-up comics and spanned from the Chitlin’ Circuit to mainstream television, Mabley died in 1975 due to complications from a heart attack. She was 78 years old.
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