Black Herman The Magician

Black Herman

By Professor Sterling Haynes

Abracadabra, learn the magical feats of a black magician.

Benjamin Rucker was born June 8, 1889, in Amherst, Virginia. Rucker was fascinated with the brilliance of magic. As a teenager he secured an apprenticeship to magician Prince Herman. Together the two toured across the south performing magic.

When Prince Herman died, Rucker adopted the name Black Herman in his honor. As a solo act, he continued to tour while incorporating his own style.

His major influences were African folk magic, divination, and mysticism. Despite his popularity, Black Herman was often met with backlash in the south. Spooked attendees felt his performances were works of evil.

In the 1910s, Black Herman found new horizons in Harlem, New York. Performing stage magic to diverse audiences in the north.

As his popularity grew, so did his production budget. He hired African American actress Madame Debora Sapphirra. Her role was a psychic mind reader and assistant for his shows.

Secrets of Magic, Mystery, and Legerdemain was published in 1925. Herman purchased his own printing company to ensure the book’s quality and accuracy. It’s written for aspiring magicians to learn magic and illusion.

Black Herman’s Private Graveyard was his most popular performance. Audiences would watch in awe, as he was buried alive in a coffin. Being proclaimed dead by a local doctor. Unbeknownst to the audience, a local doctor who was part of the act, proclaimed he was dead.

On April 15, 1934, Black Herman died in Louisville Kentucky. He had a rocky marriage with Mrs. Eva Rucker. That produced three children.

Cartoon Characters Mayor Maxwell and Bubble Gum Belinda are created by Sterling Haynes.

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