Wearing a baggy housedress, floppy shoes, a knit cap, and toothless smile, “Moms” Mabley simply had to walk onstage to get a laugh and when she went into her act it was clear why she was labeled “the funniest woman alive. “The matriarch of comedy for decades before her death in 1975, Mabley’s down-home brand of humor included jokes, stories, advice, philosophy, and her own special take on the social and political conditions of the day. Another constant theme was her disdain for old men and her almost fanatical appreciation of the younger sort. “There ain’t nothing an old man can do for me but bring me a message from a young one,” became one of her most famous lines.
Finding fame in Harlem in the 1920s, Mabley appeared at the hallowed Apollo Theater more than any other performer, but mainstream success with white America eluded her until the early sixties when she recorded a string of popular comedy albums. Her audience-”my children,” as she called them-continued to grow but Mabley didn’t make an appearance on television until a Harry Belafonte special in 1967 and her only major movie role was in 1974’s Amazing Grace, released less than a year before her death. Still, Mabley’s legacy as a pioneer in comedy is unwavering and she continues to be saluted in plays about her life and by young black comedians who cite her as an influence.
Where modern hospitality meets historical culture
Peruse our suites, special amenities and things to do
Billie Holiday
Mom’s Mabley
Duke Ellington
Louis Armstrong
marcus garvey sepia
chick webb sepia
aaron douglas sepia
william h johnson sepia
booker t washington sepia
langston hughes sepia
web dubois – sepia
Cab Calloway
zora neale hurston sepia
madame cj walker sepia
Our Amenities
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Secured Wi-Fi. Online ordering of room services and our products.
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Online Checkout
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Private Safe
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Online library of history and historical figures
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Wake Up Call
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Green environmental products and services
Additional Amenities
Who wants to do laundry while you are away from home? Pack fresh laundry before leaving our facilities. We require 24 hour notice. Price may be based per item or per weight.
Additional Amenities
We also host special events such as small conferences, showers, luncheons, business meetings, birthday parties, etc.
Additional Amenities
We welcome small domestic pets under 40 lbs at $25.00 per pet per night.
Pricing
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Explorers
Free Sign-up- $149 Sunday thru Thursday Rate
- On-line Discounts
- Referral Bonus
Historians
Free Sign-up- $169 Sunday thru Thursday Rate
- On-line Discounts
- Referral Bonus
- Discount Stays
Find Us
1028 NW 3rd Ave Miami, FL 33136
Phone
888-854-9995 | 513-477-7781
staywithus@dunns-josephinehotel.com

Find Us
1028 NW 3rd Ave Miami, FL 33136
Phone
888-454-9995 513-477-7781
staywithus@dunns-josephinehotel.com
