Celebrating Hattie McDaniel

Remember “Mammy” from Gone with the Wind? In 1940, Hattie McDaniel became the first African American person to receive an Oscar.

The daughter of two former slaves, McDaniel pursued and achieved an active and successful career in the performing arts. After decades of gradually building her career, connections and credibility, and despite fierce competition, she landed the highly sought-after role of Mammy – head slave – in Gone with the Wind.

Following her outstanding performance, and seeing the incredible reviews she received, she approached the film producer, armed with the collection of reviews praising her performance as extraordinary. This led him to nominate her for an Academy Award under the Best Supporting Actress category, which she went on to win. The next Oscar to be awarded to an African American wasn’t until 1964.

During the historic award ceremony 80 years ago, the groundbreaker was not permitted to sit close to the stage with the rest of her Caucasian colleagues, but instead was made to sit at the rear of the room.

Following her death, McDaniel was awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Today would have been McDaniel’s 125th birthday. Her story of trailblazing success despite the adversity she faced is inspirational.

During her Academy Award speech, McDaniel declared “I sincerely hope I shall always be a credit to my race and to the motion picture industry”.

Through her work, her words and her achievements, a thought is provoked in us – what will my career be a credit to?