Answer:
The statement is false. Bessie Smith was not the first African American to head a federal agency.
Explanation:
Bessie Smith was an American blues singer and was considered the best blues performer between 1920 and 1930. Along with Louis Armstrong, she is also often considered the greatest artist of her era.
Bessie Smith began her career as a street singer in Chattanooga. In 1912, as a dancer and singer, she joined a touring show featured by Pa and Ma Rainey, and a friendly relationship was established between Ma and Bessie. Ma Rainey became Bessie's mentor, but all the financial statements at the time indicate that Ma Rainey did not teach Bessie Smith to sing. She probably only helped her improve her stage performance. Smith began working on her own stage number around 1913 at the Atlantic Theater "81". She remained with the traveling show of Ma Rainey until 1915. In 1920 she confirmed her reputation by performing in the south and along the east coast. She died as a result of a traffic accident at the age of 43.
