Together We Read

I think she was cautiously hopeful.

She believed her Academy win was well deserved and that it would open doors for other black actors or want to be actors.

I believe that she was being realistic in an optimistic way. She truly did believe that her winning the Academy award would open doors for her peers. But I think she was realistic in that she herself said these things take time to change and don't just happen overnight. It's in the small ways of including those of color into set creation, makeup artist ect. Slowly over time instead of one big change all at once. She understood that these things took patience and the aptitude to "play the game" for the long term results.

Optimistic. I believe Hattie was being both optimistic and hyper aware of her talents. She believed in herself enough to encourage others to do the same by way of confidence. I am incredibly grateful she won and opened the door for so many conversations that would not have the footing if she never even tried.

Hattie believed she would have many new opportunities for movie parts after winning the award. She also had hopes that she would be able to negotiate more meaningful roles for Black actors and actresses in the movies

Hattie made Mammy her role. Today we are celebrating people of color in films and on television. Her talent is being recognized again.

A life affirming stepping stone. That colored women and men would become more prominent in the workplace and receive the roles and accolades they deserve. Haddie was naive but driven. Like anyone regardless of relentless discrimination is, she wanted to be better than those who were held back.

An amazing achievement for all AfricanAmericans. Yes, she saw it as a personal achievement as well. But to me it seemed she was focused on how it could help all African Americans rise to success.

Going to pave the way for all actors of color. She saw it as a door being opened for not only herself but all others.

Looking at it now, I think Hattie was being wildly optimistic. The Oscars still go to women who play prostitutes, and African Americans who play con artists, criminals, and corrupt cops. Whoopi Goldberg getting an Oscar for Ghost instead of the Color Purple is just one example of business as usual in Hollywood. I don’t think any black actors at that time had any power whatsoever. The industry was simply too racist for anything else for someone who looked like Hattie.