The Image Of Black Women In Entertainment

Where in the world are black women in today's entertainment? There is a significant dearth in quality images of African-American women in television and film. And no, Oprah's un-Godly success and stature doesn't diminish this truth.

It wasn't always like this. In 1968, Diahann Carroll starred in the ground breaking series "Julia." Heralded as being the first series to star a black woman in a non-stereotypical role, "Julia" produced 86 episodes and Carroll earned herself a golden globe.

In the 70s, Pam Grier played a character that went against the typical African American female archetype. In 1974, Grier starred as the title character in Foxy Brown, a sexy yet independent black woman who was capable of running down criminals and saving the day.

The 1980s and 90s saw the birth of the black upper-middle class in entertainment. In The Cosby Show, Claire Huxtable was the epitome of a strong, dignified, and highly intelligent black woman that rarely was seen on television before and has been noticeably absent since.

Though The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was a fun, silly sitcom, the show had depictions of black females that were atypical of Hollywood entertainment. Whether it was Vivian Banks' strength and discipline in the first couple of seasons or Hillary Banks' ditzy, spoiled rich girl routine, America was witnessing a diverse spectrum of what the African American female is in this country.

But something has happened in Hollywood. A regression has occurred. Black women have been marginalized or altogether phased out in popular culture.

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