[quote=@Stitches]
I wonder - is it possible to play a character who is not incredibly racist in this time period? I'm thinking more about my singer/flapper girl; you'd think that the dive bars and gentlemen's clubs of the time would hire African American performers, coupled with the fact the whole purpose of a flapper was to turn social norms on their head, would allow a character that at least doesn't treat people of colour with open hostility? I'm thinking my Alice will view them as objects of curiosity as well as trying her damnedest to treat them 'normally', even though her upbringing makes it difficult.
[/quote]

There have been examples of AFrican-American singers and flappers in the 1940s. However, most of those singers performed in Europe. It would be especially hard to see the justification for an African-American singer in America, especially in the South where they're more harshly treated. 

However, as long as the justification for your character seems novel, it would be completely fine. 

EDIT - Yes, it is possible to make a character that's not racist.