Jadyn’s Media Mentors

Throughout my life I was deeply inspired by old classic Hollywood movies. I love to look at how filmmaking, movies, and scores changed throughout time. While diving deep into the classic era there was less representation of black actors/actresses. Undoubtedly, there was racism and bias that ran through the film industry during the 20th century even still seen now for current black actors. I admired the black actresses in the classic era. For they fought for income gaps, demanding more major and respectable roles, and fought the standard of beauty. They made the path for other black actresses to follow in their footsteps, inspire them to make change as well and prove that we are more than just a stereotype. My media mentors include Josephine Baker, Dorothy Dandrige, and Eartha Kitt along with many more.

Josephine Baker was a dancer, actress, performer, and author who became an instrumental figure in the Harlem Renaissance. She refused to perform for segregated audiences because she felt that it was wrong for blacks and whites to be separated especially while trying to enjoy entertainment. Her decision to do this eventually led to the integration of many performance venues. She used her platform to incorporate change. “You know, friends, that I do not lie to you when I tell you I have walked into the palaces of kings and queens and into the houses of presidents. And much more. But I could not walk into a hotel in America and get a cup of coffee, and that made me mad” (Josephine Baker). She was real and upfront and spoke her mind. She inspires me and I admired her courage, determination, and she always stood by her beliefs and values. I want to imitate those traits and especially imitate using my platform to create change. A motto I always live by is in order to make change happen you have to be the change. As I go through this process, I want to embody integrity and resilience like Josephine Baker.

Dorothy Dandrige has always been a personal favorite of mine. I geek out every time I get to talk about her. She was a singer, actress, and dancer. She was the first black actress to be nominated for best actress for her role in Carmen Jones. She also lived a very tragic life. She was one of the first black “sex symbols” and was often considered to be the first black movie star. So why is she one of my media mentors? She fought for her roles, faced racism, and changed the way beauty was seen. As she was successful and accomplished many things in her short life, she was overcomed by heartache. Her struggles and her tragedy really was a call for help. As beautiful as she was, she was broken, and she was hurt. “All the rest is nothing, and all the rest has been nothing. The work was nothing, the applause nothing, the fortune made, that was nothing, and who knows, perhaps in my fury I let it all go.” (Dorothy Dandrige). She was transparent, honest, and heartfelt. Those traits are what I strive for. As she wrote her autobiography, telling her life story and letting fans get to know the real her is always so admirable. She taught me that no matter the hardships just stay true to who you are and never lose focus. I can relate to Dorothy Dandridge as she dealt with depression, abuse, and going above and beyond to reach her dreams. Personally, Dorothy Dandrige made me feel seen because she is so much like me. I want to imitate the transparency, and perseverance she portrayed.

Finally, Eartha Kitt was amazing. I loved everything about her. She was an actress, dancer and a singer who was versatile. Already, she taught me that being versatile is a key to being in the media. She had such a distinct voice. Singing in 10 different languages around the world. She always spoke her mind, she spoke out against the Vietnam War which cost her to be blacklisted in the U.S. “It’s all about falling in love with yourself and sharing that love with someone who appreciates you, rather than looking for love to compensate for a self love deficit” (Eartha Kitt). She was never afraid of any consequences, she never apologized for being herself and that is truly admirable. I always thought I had to fit in or be something I am not in order for people to like me. Now, I realized that I can be myself and be content. I can create a platform just by being myself. I don’t have to apologize anymore. Eartha Kitt made me understand that.

Looking at these phenomenal women and their impact on my life has truly been a blessing because I am standing on their shoulders. It is my turn to inspire and be a mentor to the upcoming generation after me. I can thrive and succeed because I had such great examples that showcased that.