If you look up the word versatile in the dictionary, there will be a picture of a Black woman next to it! For many reasons, Black women have had to be good at many things. Now, we use our ability to adapt to our advantage. The same goes for Black women in entertainment.
A common saying within the Black community is that to be successful; we have to work twice as hard to get half of what others have. This saying is even more true for Black women, as we are double-minorities. Because of this, Black women have been motivated to work on their craft and expand their abilities.
In the entertainment industry, the same is true. Prejudice, racism, and discrimination run rampant through Hollywood, setting anyone who isn’t a white male back. Despite this, Black women have persevered and exceeded expectations.
It is hard to find a Black woman in Hollywood who only holds one talent. If she is an actress, she is also a singer or dancer. More than likely, she is all three. Black women are also movie producers, lyricists, poets, filmmakers, directors, business owners, and investors. Many of these women are also wives and mothers, juggling it all.
In honor of Women’s History Month, here are some of our favorite Black women multi-hyphenates!
1. KeKe Palmer
KeKe Palmer is the epitome of a multi-hyphenate. She earned the name KeKe “Keep a Job” Palmer from her fans, as she works on several projects at a time. Palmer is a talented actress, singer, and award-winning TV show host. She is the first Black woman to earn an Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Game Show.
2. Oprah Winfrey
The queen of daytime television, Oprah Winfrey, has paved the way for Black women in entertainment. Her career began with a talk show on a local station and has expanded into a media empire. She has worn many hats throughout her career, including being a producer, actress, and author.
3. Chloe and Halle Bailey
Chloe and Halle Bailey have acted since they were young, appearing in Disney Channel’s “Let It Shine.” The sister duo has since become acclaimed singers after being discovered by Beyoncé in 2015.
Together and separately, they have continued to act. Halle starred as Ariel in the live-action film “Little Mermaid,” and held a supporting role in “The Color Purple: Musical.” Chloe starred in “Praise This” and Donald Glover’s “Swarm.” The sisters played twins on the Freeform series “Grown-ish.”
4. Tyra Banks
Starting as a model, Tyra Banks rose to fame in the ’90s in the heyday of the supermodel. After gaining high acclaim and notoriety, she expanded her career beyond the runway. She created, produced, and hosted the model competition “America’s Next Top Model.” She also made appearances in several movies, including “Love and Basketball,” “Coyote Ugly,” and Disney Channel’s “Life Size.”
In addition, Banks hosted the “The Tyra Banks Show” from 2005 to 2010. She has hosted several other shows, including “America’s Got Talent” and “Dancing with the Stars.”
5. Beyoncé
We cannot talk about multi-hyphenates and not mention Beyoncé’s name. While her main job is as a singer, she is every ounce of an entertainer and businesswoman. The queen is also an actress, as she has starred in “Dreamgirls” and “Obsessed.” She is also a film producer, utilizing Parkwood Entertainment to create documentaries and music visuals. The singer owns several businesses, including House of Dereon and CÉCRED.
Black women are simply the standard when it comes to being a multi-hyphenate. Each of these women has uniquely found their place in multiple lanes. Displaying that their talents are versatile continues to inspire Black women everywhere.
Who is your favorite Black woman in entertainment? Let us know in the comments below.
Follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more celebrity news and updates.
