Together We Read

Did you have some preconceived notions about her character or life that changed after reading? Do you have any new thoughts on her or her legacy?

The only thing I really knew her from was winning her academy award. I liked Gone with the Wind when I was a kid and remembered her character! I’ve watched documentaries about filmmaking during that time and I think she was in other things. I’m excited to read more about her!

Accomplished Talent. An anchor. She anchored her neighborhood against unfair practices. Her performances were celebrated and critiqued, yet she held her spot. She weathered the push of critique and the strong pull of success. She moved how she wanted to and when.

Until I started the book I didn't realize I had seen her in more movies than I originally thought, like The Little Colonel. Regretfully I didn't have much knowledge about her, but I am enjoying learning about her personal and acting career.

I knew of Hattie McDaniel as the first black person to win an academy award for her supporting role as “Mammy” in Gone With The Wind. I knew that she was not allowed to sit with her costars and was placed in the back. I also knew that many black people of her time viewed her as a sellout for the roles she portrayed in Hollywood (as if she had a choice in characters she depicted). I knew very little but I’ve enjoyed reading about her triumphs and struggles so far.