Hattie McDaniel: A Pioneer Who Sounded The Alarm About The Big Pay Gap!

By Lisa Durden
Hey y’all, it’s your girl Lisa Durden, and you know I had to kick off Women’s History Month with a spotlight on the queens who weren’t just making movies, but making moves! So, let’s talk about the incomparable Ms. Hattie McDaniel.

We all know her as the First Black Woman to snag that Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in ‘Gone With The Wind,’ but did y’all know she was also sounding the alarm about ‘The Big Pay Gap’ in Hollyweird? Yup. She did that! Let’s get into it!

What many may not know is, Hattie McDaniel wasn’t just a star; she was a social justice warrior, fighting against racial and gender discrimination in Tinseltown waaaay before it was popular. She was a trailblazer!

Born in 1895 in Wichita, Kansas, Hattie faced an uphill battle from the jump. At a time when Black actors and actresses were getting the short end of the proverbial stick, she pushed through with talent and tenacity.

Despite the odds, she landed roles that showcased her skills, including her iconic role as “Mammy” in “Gone with the Wind.”’

Although a looooot of Black folks criticized her for taking on those “demeaning” characters, labeling her an embarrassment to the race, it didn’t stop her! Hattie wasn’t backing down! She STOOD ON BUSINESS! She knew her worth, and she wasn’t about to let Hollywood play in her face. Even after winning that Oscar in 1940, the victory was bittersweet.

It was overshadowed by the harsh realities of racism, racial segregation, and gender discrimination that persisted within the industry. Sadly, her immense fame and box office draw did not translate to a bigger bank account.

She continued to deal with ‘The Big Pay Gap.’ Hattie wasn’t getting paid what she deserved. Black actresses like her were getting crumbs compared to their white counterparts. But Hattie did not stay silent. Although her complaints fell on deaf ears, she fearlessly spoke up loud and proud, demanding fair pay for Black women in Hollywood.

She wasn’t just fighting for herself; she was fighting for all women. Hattie went toe-to-toe with white, racist, studio bigwigs and gatekeepers, refusing to back down until she got what she deserved.

Although Hollywood wasn’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for Black women demanding equality, Hattie wasn’t about to let them silence her. She refused to accept this inequity silently! Recognizing the inherent injustice of unequal pay, she courageously advocated for fair compensation for Black women in Hollywood.

Her fight was not merely for personal gain, but was driven by a desire to challenge the systemic inequalities that pervaded the film industry. So, throughout her career, Ms. McDaniel negotiated tirelessly with studio executives and industry leaders, demanding equitable pay for Black actresses, but her demands were often met with hostility and stonewalling.

Despite Hattie’s immense pressure to conform to the status quo, she stood ten toes down in her pursuit of justice, refusing to compromise her principles for the sake of acceptance. YAAASSS SIS YAAASSS!

Beyond her contributions to the film industry, Hattie McDaniel’s impact transcended the silver screen. As a vocal advocate for Civil Rights and racial equality, she used her platform to amplify marginalized voices and challenge societal norms.

Her commitment to social justice reverberated far beyond Hollywood, inspiring countless individuals to join the fight for equality and inclusion.

So, as we reflect on Ms. McDaniel’s remarkable journey, let us not only celebrate her achievements but also heed the lessons of her legacy.

Let’s remember her as more than just a Hollywood icon. She was an activist, a trailblazer, a fighter, and a leader who paved the way for all women. Her perseverance and unwavering commitment helped pave the way for incremental progress, helping to gradually dismantle some of the barriers that hindered Black women’s advancement in Hollywood.

To be real clear, however…much work remains to be done, but Hattie McDaniel’s bravery endures as a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, which has inspired future generations of Black actresses like MoNique, Viola Davis, and Taraji P. Henson, who are still fighting to close ‘The Big Pay Gap,’ and they’re not backing down either! They are STANDING ON BUSINESS! Stay tuned for their stories in this four-part series, because we’re just getting started. #ClapForThat!

Lisa Durden is a prominent National Media Contributor and TV Personality, renowned for her appearances on prestigious platforms such as ABC 20/20 as an ABC News Contributor, Revolt TV’s ‘Revolt Black News,’ and Fox Soul’s ‘Being Black With Tammi Mac.’

Her contributions extend to CBS News, The Dr. Oz Show, and as an #APlusPanel Contributor on #TheOpinionZone for the former ‘Chasing News Series’ on the My9 Network. Renowned for her distinctive voice, Lisa Durden is not merely a commentator but a provocateur and truth-teller, challenging myths and reshaping narratives.

Her activism echoes through her storytelling, establishing her as a vocal Social Justice Journalist and thought leader, recognized by media outlets like Newsweek, Ark Republic, and Our Time Press. Lisa’s commitment to redefining the collective narrative resonates powerfully, making her a significant figure in today’s media landscape. #ClapForThat!STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: @lisardurden
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