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The Black Patti, Mme. M. Sissieretta Jones, color poster by Metropolitan Print, New York, 1899. Matilda Sissieretta Joyner Jones was a notable soprano of her era, known as the "Black Patti," in reference to celebrated Italian soprano Adelina Patti. Her success helped African Americans gain acceptance as serious artists. From the reference work American Women: A Library of Congress Guide for the Study of Women's History and Culture in the United States.