Pages from the Harlem Renaissance: A Chronicle of Performance

Jackson's attitude during the later phase indicates that his commentaries on conditions in the industry may have become too radical for Billboard's policies. On the other hand, Billboard might have initiated a less liberal policy after the untimely illness and subsequent death of Donaldson, only about a month after "The Page" closed. Perhaps shortly before Donaldson's death, he no longer controlled the publication. Until further documentation can be obtained, I can only conjecture the reasons that "The Page" closed. Still, the short-lived column tried to validate black performance and move it into the mainstream of the American entertainment industry. Once "The Page" gave voice to black performers, it was impossible to stifle the onslaught of talent that demanded proper recognition.

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