Brooker and Clayton's Georgia Minstrels

Under the management of Charles Hicks, the company enjoyed success on tour through the Northeastern United States in 1865 and 1866.

They billed themselves as "The Only Simon Pure Negro Troupe in the World"[1] and their act as an "authentic" portrayal of black plantation life.

One ad claimed their troupe was "composed of men who during the war were SLAVES IN MACON, GEORGIA, who, having spent their former lives in Bondage .

"[3] The Georgia Minstrels gained fame and success, and large crowds watched them perform in many cities.

Trade journals and theatergoers came to regard them as in the same category as successful all-white companies, and "Georgia" came to signify "Colored" when used in the title of a minstrel troupe.