"If you were black, you experienced prejudice. It wasn't a real horrible thing for us; we went through it. We noticed it mostly in the South and in Las Vegas, where we couldn't stay in the hotels where we entertained. But that began to change"

In this quote, Harold Nicholas, a prominent African American dancer and star, reviews his experiences with racial bias throughout the earlier years of his career. The statement provides an insightful peek into the racial climate of the United States, particularly in the show business, during a time when partition and discrimination were systemic.

When Nicholas states, "If you were black, you experienced prejudice", he succinctly acknowledges the prevalent nature of racial discrimination throughout that period. It was an inescapable truth for African Americans, affecting various elements of their lives, from personal interactions to expert chances. The matter-of-fact tone underscores the normalization of such prejudice, recommending that it was an anticipated, albeit regrettable, part of the black experience.

However, Nicholas likewise says, "It wasn't a real dreadful thing for us; we went through it", indicating a sense of strength and adaptability. Regardless of the challenges posed by racial discrimination, Nicholas stresses the capability of African Americans to withstand and continue pursuing their aspirations. This durability is a testament to the strength of people and communities who, in spite of systemic barriers, chose to press forward.

The quote highlights specific geographical regions, "the South and in Las Vegas", where discrimination was more pronounced. This information underscores the irregular nature of racial prejudice across the United States, with certain areas displaying more obvious and institutionalized forms of segregation, particularly in public accommodations, such as hotels.

Nicholas's observation that "But that started to change" shows a glimmer of optimism and acknowledgment of progress. The latter part of the quote hints at the steady taking apart of segregation and the start of more inclusive practices, especially within the entertainment industry. This shift was likely affected by the civil rights movement, which sought to challenge and transform the structural inequalities that had long oppressed African Americans.

Overall, Harold Nicholas's quote uses a nuanced point of view on the experiences of African Americans with bias, highlighting both the social obstacles and the development made over time.