Racist history of clowns

So i did some digging since I was curious, and it made some sense to me that they originated from blackface and anti black ideals due to big red noses, big lips and afros 

the lips here specifically 

According to a source, in the 1700's, clowns started using blackface to depict poor African Americans and to show their white supremacy. 

Specifically "tramp" clowns or "hobo" clowns. 

Minstrel shows were shows that often showed this. (entertainment performances performed by white people to mock black people and further enforce racial stereotypes)

I think everyone should know about the racist history of clowns. I don't think all clowns were racist(correct me if I'm wrong!), but some types definitely were. 

Today, many people like doing clown makeup or dressing up as them, and I know that they don't have ill intent, but knowing all of this just makes me feel uneasy about it. 

I would love to hear your opinions on this!! 

If you would like to dig deeper on this topic, I recommend watching a youtube video:  "Clowns Are Still R*cist | How Blackface Minstrelsy Shaped The American Circus"