Stéphanie St. Clair, Queen of Harlem Tickets

Stéphanie St. Clair, Queen of Harlem profiles the iconic woman who was a major force behind the 1920s Harlem underground and the Black activism movement. Inspired by the true story of legendary crime boss Stéphanie St. Clair (1897-1969), this performance stars Guadeloupe-based actress Isabelle Kancel (Creditors). Told from the perspective of 80-year-old St. Clair, it recounts how she rose from poverty in the West Indies and overcame extreme sexism and racism. St. Clair—known throughout New York City as “Queenie”—confronted both the white mafia and corrupt police force to become the boss of Harlem’s underground lottery.

Her occupation as a racketeer and gang leader didn’t bar St. Clair from living in one of Harlem’s most prestigious buildings, where her neighbors were fellow luminaries such as W.E.B. Du Bois and future Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall. She continued to work for civil and economic rights for African Americans long after ceasing her illegal activities.

Starring Isabelle Kancel. Directed by Nicole Dogué

French and Creole with English supertitles