In Memory of Hattie McDaniel

A great lady and a talented actress.

In Memory of Hattie McDaniel

 

By Elton Camp

 

Hattie McDaniel built her career playing a maid

Back then, blacks were called “Shine” or “Spade”

Recognition of her acting talent did finally begin

With role of Mammy in “Gone With the Wind”

 

Some criticized her for the roles she would accept

For bigger parts, Miss McDaniel was well adept

But as one of the few black actress who were around,

For those who followed, she broke entirely new ground

 

Parts for blacks in those days were really very few

So she was willing to take what they’d let her do

Yet in Atlanta where GWTW had its premier,

Prejudiced folks wouldn’t allow her to come near

 

Where she lived back in those segregated days,

McDaniel showed great courage in many ways

So for her pioneering work, we should say thanks

She paved the way for others in the acting ranks