Google Doodle celebrates the legacy of Willi Ninja, the Godfather of Voguing
Google recently unveiled a new doodle honouring the legendary dancer and choreographer Willi Ninja as a part of its celebration for Pride Month. Willi, who passed away in 2006, was widely known as the Godfather of Voguing and was responsible for paving the way for Black LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the 1980s and 90s. The doodle features an animated version of Willi, showcasing some of his iconic moves, and users can hit play to watch a brief YouTube video of The Iconic House of Ninja, the community Willi created that still carries his legacy to this day.
The legacy of Willi Ninja
Willi was born in 1961 and spent his childhood in Flushing, Queens. His mother was his biggest supporter and encouraged him to pursue his passion for dance, which ultimately paved the way for his legendary career. Willi introduced new dance techniques to the world, drawing inspiration from Egyptian hieroglyphs and martial arts to revolutionise voguing standards. He co-founded the House of Ninja in 1982, a community that provides an extended social family and safety net for those who face rejection from biological relatives. Willi continued to provide support and guidance for his house members, even after he became famous.
According to the Doodle website, voguing is a dance form that emerged from the Harlem ballroom scene, which was a safe space founded by LGBTQ+ Black and Latino folks to celebrate self-expression and togetherness. Most Black and Latino ballroom participants belong to groups known as houses. Willi’s House of Ninja was one such house, which eventually produced some of the top performers in voguing. Willi’s unique dance style was showcased on the big screen in the 1990 documentary Paris is Burning, which was a big success and exposed Willi’s work to a wider audience.
The impact of Willi Ninja on Black LGBTQ+ representation and HIV/AIDS awareness
Willi’s legacy extends beyond the ballroom scene and dance culture. He was a powerful advocate for his community, playing a pivotal role in helping to reduce stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS by raising awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention at drag balls. He was one of the first celebrities to advocate for safe and consensual sex to prevent the spread of the disease. Willi’s advocacy is a testament to his unwavering support for the community he belonged to and his relentless push for social justice.
Celebrating Willi’s legacy
Google’s celebration of Willi’s birthday and legacy is a much-needed recognition of the significant contributions that Black LGBTQ+ folks have made to society. It is a reminder that their stories and struggles deserve to be shared and celebrated. The House of Ninja continues to honour Willi’s legacy by carrying on his unique style of dance and supporting the Black LGBTQ+ community. Voguing has become more mainstream in recent years, with shows like Pose and Legendary showcasing the dance style and its origins.
Conclusion
Willi Ninja’s impact on dance, music, and social justice cannot be overstated. His legacy continues to live on today, inspiring individuals to express themselves through dance and to fight for social justice for the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. The Google Doodle celebrating Willi’s birthday is a testament to the lasting impact he has had on the world, both in the dance scene and beyond. It is a reminder of the power of art to inspire social change and to bring communities together.
<< photo by Anna Tarazevich >>
