Since 1960, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has honored some of your favorite celebrities. Covering more than 15 blocks, the Walk of Fame includes some of entertainment’s best in film, theater, music, television, and radio. With over 2,700 stars placed, there are certainly some well-deserving honorees, but quite a few Black celebs also deserve a star.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce oversees the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Nominations go through the committee, which decides who has earned a star. Not anyone can be nominated, though! Specific criteria are set to ensure that each star goes to a well-deserving celebrity.
The celebrity’s management team must approve each nomination. To be considered for a star, the nominee must have at least five years of experience in entertainment. As far as accomplishments, nominees are required to have made a “charitable contribution” to their work. They are also asked to be active and working.
Every June, the Chamber of Commerce gathers to pick at least 20 people to award a star. Those selected must agree to appear for the ceremony within two years; otherwise, the offer will be rescinded, and another application must be submitted to be considered again.
Fun fact: The brass stars are not free! If selected, honorees are asked to cough up $75,000 for the star to be made, installed, and maintained. Though some stars pay for it independently, the organization that nominates the celebrity may pay. Companies and brands have also been known to pay for the star installation in exchange for endorsements from the celebrity.
Nevertheless, some Black celebrities have significantly impacted entertainment, yet they are without a star. Here are five Black celebs who deserve a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!
1. Beyoncé
Believe it or not, Queen Bey does not have a solo star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Destiny’s Child was nominated and selected for a star in 2006, but she does not have a star representing her solo career. She undoubtedly deserves to be one of the most prominent performers in music. The mother of three has broken many records, including winning the most Grammys in history.
It is unclear if the singer has not been nominated as a solo artist or if she has declined the honor.
2. Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer has been entertaining millennials and Gen Zers since she was a young girl. As a talented actress, she starred in several movies, including Madea’s Family Reunion and Akeelah and the Bee. The actress was vital to many Disney Channel and Nickelodeon TV shows, like “True Jackson, VP.”
In adulthood, Palmer has expanded her empire as the Black woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host. The mother of one continues to act as she starred alongside Daniel Kaluuya in Jordan Peele’s “Nope,” in 2022. She also founded the TV network KeyTV in 2023. And did we mention she can sing? Palmer is definitely a Black celebrity who deserves a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
3. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was suddenly taken from us in 2012, but her legacy continues to live on. She used her impeccable voice and talent during her career to create some of today’s classic tunes. Her music and performances spurred many pop culture moments. Additionally, she was an actress, starring in many movies of the ’90s, including “Waiting to Exhale” and “Bodyguard.”
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce selects a star for a posthumous recipient each year. The nominee must be deceased for at least five years to be considered. Whitney Houston would be a great addition to the Walk of Fame.
4. Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington has long been considered one of the best actors of his generation. In 2001, he became the second Black man in history to win an Oscar for Best Actor for his role in “Training Day.” He has starred in many, including “Malcolm X,” “Remember the Titans,” and other hits, such as “The Great Debaters.” These selections scratch the surface of his abilities, making him an excellent candidate for a star.
5. Serena Williams
In 2023, athletes began being honored with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Before this, only a handful of athletes had received the honor for contributions to entertainment-related projects. Now that the Walk of Fame allows athletic nominations, Serena Williams needs to be on speed dial! The mother of two is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time, let alone a legend in her sport of tennis. She has broken and maintained many records during her career, including being the only tennis player in history to earn a Career Golden Slam in doubles and singles.
Many other Black celebrities, like Spike Lee and Michael Jordan, are overdue for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It is possible that they were nominated but did not accept. Nevertheless, it is time to give these stars their flowers!
What Black celebs would you like to see honored with a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame? Let’s discuss in the comment section below.
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