Hazel Scott, a prodigy, classical and jazz musician, as well as an activist against racism, was the first African American to have her own television series. Hazel was equally intense in her passion for music and justice. (Chilton, 2008). Her success in music and her upbringing allowed her the ability to control her destiny in the world of film and television:
By the time Hollywood came calling, Hazel had achieved such a stature that she could successfully challenge the studios’ treatment of black actors, demanding pay commensurate with her white counterparts, and refusing to play the subservient roles in which black actors were commonly cast. She would wear no maid uniforms or washer woman rags, and insisted that her name credit appear the same in all films: Hazel Scott as Herself. (Chilton, 2009)
Hazel would go on to act in five motion pictures. As a pioneer in television, she would be the star performing instrumentally and vocally.
By the time Hollywood came calling, Hazel had achieved such a stature that she could successfully challenge the studios’ treatment of black actors, demanding pay commensurate with her white counterparts, and refusing to play the subservient roles in which black actors were commonly cast. She would wear no maid uniforms or washer woman rags, and insisted that her name credit appear the same in all films: Hazel Scott as Herself. (Chilton, 2009)
Hazel would go on to act in five motion pictures. As a pioneer in television, she would be the star performing instrumentally and vocally.