Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones

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1889 poster showing Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones. This is the only portrait poster of a black performer held by the Library of Congress Performing Arts Posters collection from the period when she was performing.

Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones (January 5, 1869 - June 24, 1933) was an African American soprano singer, she was known as "The Black Patti," in reference to Italian opera singer Adelina Patti.

In 1888 she became the first black singer to appear on stage at Wallack's Theater, and in 1892 she performed at the White House for President Benjamin Harrison and in London before the Prince of Wales. Jones was a performer in vaudeville and opera houses throughout her career. Her success helped African Americans gain acceptance as serious artists.