 Fifteen black actors who paved the way in Hollywood and left a lasting legacy. Hollywood has a long history of producing brilliant performers who have made an impact on the field. But because of racism and discrimination, black actors have long faced significant obstacles in Hollywood. Despite these challenges, a number of black actors paved the way for later generations and left a lasting impression on the business. I will be presenting 15 black actors who paved the way in Hollywood and left a lasting legacy in today's video. It is impossible to exaggerate how important black actors are to the entertainment sector. Due to racism and discrimination, black actors have always faced major difficulties and barriers in Hollywood. But these 15 performers paved the way for succeeding generations and left a lasting impression on the business. Hello there, welcome. You are watching Africa Reloaded and I am James, your host. 15. Sydney Poitier One of the greatest actors in the annals of American cinema is Sydney Poitier, a Bahamian-American actor, director, and diplomat. Poitier's cinematic career began in the 1950s and he immediately established a reputation for giving strong performances that pushed against racial stereotypes and advocated for more black actors to appear on screen. For his work in Lillies of the Field in 1963, he became the first black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Sydney Poitier, in general, is a towering figure in American culture and a pioneering black actor and director. His talents to art and his dedication to social justice are still remembered and honored today. 14. Harry Belafonte Actor, activist, and musician Harry Belafonte had a significant role in eradicating racial boundaries in Hollywood. He acted in a number of popular movies such as Carmen Jones and Island in the Sun and he used his position to promote social justice and civil rights. Lifelong supporter of social justice and civil rights initiatives, Belafonte. He was Martin Luther King Jr.'s personal friend and confidant and he was important to the 1960s civil rights movement. Additionally active in the anti-apartheid movement, he has received recognition for his humanitarian efforts on a global scale and was named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador in 1987. Harry Belafonte is a major personality in American culture who is renowned for his activism and social justice work in addition to his music and acting. 13. Diane Carroll American actress, Samer and model Diane Carroll was born in the Bronx New York City on July 17, 1935. Carroll is well known for playing Julia Baker, the first black woman to play a non-stereotypical role in her own television series, which made history. Julia, which ran on television from 1968 to 1971, was a turning point in American television history because it disproved racial stereotypes and paved the way for more black actors to appear on screen. Carroll made numerous film, television and stage appearances during the course of her career, including Porgy and Bess, Carmen Jones, Dynasty and Grey's Anatomy. She received a Tony Award nomination and an Academy Award nomination for her performance in Clawdean. 12. Bill Cosby One of the most popular comedians and performers of his day, Bill Cosby starred in a number of popular movies and television programs, including The Cosby Show and Uptown Saturday Night. Cosby has made significant contributions to the entertainment business, despite his contentious personal life. However, after numerous women accused Cosby of sexual assault in the 2010s, his reputation was damaged. He received a three to 10 year prison term after being found guilty on three counts of severe and decent assault in 2018. The hashtag Me Too movement regarded Cosby's conviction as a turning point because it brought attention to the pervasiveness of sexual assault and the significance of holding influential people accountable. 11. Lena Horne Lena Horne was a singer, actress and civil rights advocate who was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 30, 1917. She began her singing career in the 1930s and rose to fame as a result of her outstanding beauty and strong voice. One of the first black actors in Hollywood to break down racial barriers, Horne had a long career performing in a variety of movies and TV shows. She played prominent roles in such movies as Stormy Weather, Cabin in the Sky, and The Wiz. She continued to act on stage throughout her career and was a regular performer on television variety shows. Horne was a target of the McCarthy era blacklisting because of her activism and outspokeness, which led to her being essentially barred from Hollywood for a number of years. 10. Ruby Dee Actress and activist Ruby Dee was known for her work in the movies A Raisin in the Sun and Do the Right Thing. She was also a fierce supporter of social justice and civil rights and she collaborated closely with her husband, Aussie Davis to advance justice and equality. Dee was a gifted writer and poet in addition to her profession as an actress. Along with her husband, Aussie Davis, she co-wrote the play A Raisin in the Sun and contributed frequently to literary journals and anthologies. Dee also worked tirelessly to advance social justice and civil rights movements. She was active in a number of groups, including the Congress of Racial Equality, Siori, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. And she was a strong advocate of the civil rights struggle. She participated in the 1963 March on Washington and was a close friend and associate of Martin Luther King, Jr. 9. Aussie Davis Talented actor, director, and writer Aussie Davis played a significant role in eradicating racial boundaries in Hollywood. His roles in several popular movies, such as Do the Right Thing and Bubba Hoteb, gave him a platform from which to advocate for social and civil rights. Davis was a skilled writer and director, in addition to his job as an actor. He co-authored the screenplay for the movie Cotton Comes to Harlem, and he wrote and directed several plays, including Pearly Victorious and Cotton Comes to Harlem. He participated in the 1963 March on Washington and was a close friend and associate of Martin Luther King, Jr. Davis was recognized for his contributions to both the arts and civil rights with numerous awards and honors, including the National Medal of Arts and the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. 8. James Earl Jones One of the most recognizable actors of his time, James Earl Jones is renowned for his commanding presence and loud booming voice. As a result of his several notable roles in blockbuster movies like The Great White Hope and Star Wars, he has come to represent black brilliance in Hollywood. Jones is a well-known stage actor in addition to his work in film. Throughout his career, he has performed in a number of Broadway productions. He has received two Tony Awards for his work on The Great White Hope and Fences. In terms of American culture, James Earl Jones is a giant and a pioneer for black actors and performers. He has become a stage and movie icon thanks to his commanding presence and strong voice, and he has inspired and served as a role model for generations of Americans via his support of causes related to social justice and civil rights. 7. Cicely Tyson One of the first black actresses to find widespread success in Hollywood was Cicely Tyson, who blazed a trail for other minorities. She acted in several popular movies, such as Sounder and The Help, and she was a fierce supporter of social justice and civil rights. Tyson was renowned for her eloquent and complex performances, which frequently tackled issues of social justice, gender equality, and race. Throughout her career, she received numerous honors, including an Honorary Academy Award, a Tony Award, and three Emmy Awards. In addition to her profession as an actress, Tyson was a fervent supporter of social justice and civil rights movements. She was active in a number of groups, including the Dance Theater of Harlem and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and double ACP. She participated in the 1963 March on Washington and was a close friend and associate of Martin Luther King Jr. 6. Felicia Rashad Felicia Rashad was born on June 19, 1948, in Houston, Texas. She is an American actress, singer, and stage director. Actress and filmmaker Felicia Rashad has a distinguished and fruitful career in Hollywood. She is most remembered for her role as Claire Huckstable on The Cosby Show, but she has also appeared in a number of very popular movies, including Creed and For Colored Girls. Felicia Rashad is a trailblazing black actress and performer who has made a significant contribution to American culture. She has inspired generations of Americans with her spectacular performances, support for social justice and civil rights issues, and contributions to the theater and cinema industries. 5. Denzel Washington One of Hollywood's most prominent and well-liked actors, Denzel Washington is renowned for his potent performances and imposing presence. He has acted in a number of popular movies, such as Malcolm X and Training Day, and has come to represent black brilliance in the field. Washington has received countless accolades and distinctions, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his services to the arts and civil rights. He is widely considered as one of the best actors of his time, and he has inspired millions of people all over the world with his dramatic performances and support for social justice causes. Denzel Washington was born on December 28, 1954, in Mount Vernon, New York. He is an actor, director, and producer. 4. Whoopi Goldberg Whoopi Goldberg has had a long and prosperous career in Hollywood as an actress, comedian, and activist. She is the recipient of an Academy Award, a Grammy, a Tony, and an Emmy, and has starred in numerous blockbuster movies, including The Color Purple and Ghost. Additionally, Goldberg is a strong supporter of social justice and civil rights issues. She has been active in a number of groups, including the NAACP and the AMMFAR AIDS Charity. She has participated in various programs to advance arts education in schools and is a vocal supporter of the arts. Goldberg has received various prizes and distinctions in recognition of her work in the arts and civil rights, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Ghost. She is considered as one of the most gifted and significant artists of her time, and her support of social justice causes has inspired millions of people all over the world. Angela Bassett. Actress and filmmaker Angela Bassett has a distinguished and fruitful career in Hollywood. She has established a reputation for giving strong performances in movies like What's Love Got to Do With It and Black Panther, and she is now regarded as a model of Black excellence in the business. Bassett is a strong supporter of social justice and civil rights issues. She has been active with a number of organizations, including the United Nations Foundation and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. She has participated in various programs to advance arts education in schools and is a vocal supporter of the arts. Bassett has received numerous prizes and distinctions for her services to the arts and civil rights, including a plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She is regarded as one of the most gifted and significant actors of her time, and her support of social justice causes has inspired millions of people all over the world. Two, Morgan Freeman. American actor, producer and narrator Morgan Freeman was born on June 1, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee. One of Hollywood's most admired performers, Morgan Freeman is renowned for his potent performances and imposing presence. He has played leading roles in a number of blockbuster movies, including Driving This Daisy and The Shawshank Redemption, and has earned a reputation as a model of black excellence in the business. His support for social justice causes has made him an inspiration to millions of people all over the world. He is widely considered as one of the most gifted and significant performers of his time. Freeman is a strong supporter of social justice and civil rights issues. He has been active with a number of groups, including the Campaign for Female Education and the Actors Fund of America. He actively supports the arts and has participated in a number of efforts to advance arts education in the classroom. One, Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick Boseman, an accomplished actor and activist, rose to fame when he played T'Challa in Black Panther. He also appeared in a number of other popular movies, such as 42 and Get On Up, and he was a fervent supporter of social and civil rights. Boseman's premature passing in 2020 was a tragedy for Hollywood and the entire globe, but his legacy endures as a representation of black talent and tenacity. These 15 black performers blazed the way in Hollywood and left an enduring legacy that still serves as an inspiration to actors and activists of the next generation. Despite facing numerous difficulties and setbacks throughout their careers, they never gave up and carried on their work of dismantling racial barriers and advancing equality and justice. It is impossible to underestimate their contributions to the entertainment business and to society at large, and they will always be regarded as models of black greatness and tenacity. Thank you for watching. Please remember to subscribe, like, share, and comment on Africa Reloaded.