Black Celebs Who Say Colorism Is Worse Now Than Ever

The conversation surrounding colorism in the entertainment industry has gained significant momentum in recent years. Many prominent Black celebrities have come forward to share their personal experiences with skin tone bias and the systemic issues that favor lighter complexions. These public figures argue that despite a push for diversity the underlying preference for certain aesthetics remains deeply rooted in Hollywood. By speaking out they hope to foster a more inclusive environment where talent is prioritized over skin shade. Their testimonies reflect a growing frustration with the slow pace of progress in media representation.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has been a prominent voice regarding the lack of representation for dark skinned women in the film industry. She often speaks about how the paper bag test still influences casting decisions for major roles. During the promotion of ‘The Woman King’ she discussed the difficulties of securing funding for projects featuring dark skinned leads. Her insights suggest that the entertainment world still struggles to value the beauty of deeper complexions. This ongoing battle highlights the need for a fundamental shift in how Hollywood defines marketability.

Lupita Nyong’o

Lupita Nyong’o has used her platform to discuss the historical and contemporary challenges of colorism. She shared her personal journey with self acceptance in the book ‘Sulwe’ which addresses the impact of skin tone on young children. The actress has noted that global beauty standards often alienate those with darker skin. Her success in films like ’12 Years a Slave’ proved that dark skinned talent can achieve worldwide acclaim. Despite her fame she continues to point out the subtle biases that persist in fashion and media.

Zendaya

Zendaya has frequently acknowledged her privilege as a light skinned Black woman in the acting world. She has stated that she is the acceptable version of a Black girl in the eyes of many Hollywood executives. By turning down roles that she feels should go to darker skinned actresses she hopes to create more space for diversity. Her honesty regarding her position in the industry has sparked important conversations about colorist casting practices. She remains committed to using her influence to advocate for fairer representation for all Black women.

Amandla Stenberg

Amandla Stenberg has spoken openly about the advantages she receives due to her lighter skin tone. She famously stepped away from a role in ‘Black Panther’ because she felt the part should be played by a dark skinned actress. This decision was based on her belief that colorism remains a major hurdle for many talented performers. She continues to challenge the industry to broaden its scope of what is considered beautiful or marketable. Her actions reflect a deep understanding of the systemic inequities that still plague the entertainment landscape.

Kelly Rowland

Kelly Rowland has shared her past struggles with feeling overshadowed due to her darker skin. During her time in Destiny’s Child she often felt less desirable compared to her lighter skinned group members. She discussed these feelings in her music and in various interviews to help others who might feel the same. The singer has noted that while progress has been made the pressure to fit a certain look is still intense. She encourages young girls to embrace their natural beauty regardless of societal standards.

Keke Palmer

Keke Palmer has addressed the nuances of colorism and how it affects the careers of Black actresses. She pointed out that while some progress is visible the industry still relies on a narrow definition of Blackness. Her experiences in ‘Nope’ and other major projects have given her a unique perspective on these issues. She believes that the digital age has sometimes amplified these biases through social media and filters. Her vocal stance encourages her fans to recognize and challenge these harmful beauty standards.

Tika Sumpter

Tika Sumpter has been vocal about the need for more dark skinned women in leading romantic roles. She often discusses how the media tends to cast lighter skinned actresses as the love interest. Through her work in ‘Southside with You’ she aimed to showcase the beauty and complexity of dark skinned women. She believes that seeing more diverse representation on screen is essential for the next generation. Her advocacy focuses on breaking down the barriers that limit the opportunities available to many Black performers.

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle Union has long criticized the colorist attitudes that exist within the television and film industries. She has shared stories of how she was treated differently on sets compared to her lighter skinned counterparts. In her book ‘We’re Going to Need More Wine’ she explores these themes in great detail. She argues that the industry must move beyond tokenism to achieve true equity. Her continued presence in Hollywood serves as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate these systemic biases.

Cynthia Erivo

Cynthia Erivo has spoken about the unique challenges faced by dark skinned performers on the global stage. She has highlighted how certain roles are often reserved for those who fit a specific look that excludes darker tones. Her performances in ‘Harriet’ and other projects have brought her critical acclaim but she remains aware of the industry’s limitations. She advocates for more inclusive casting that celebrates the full spectrum of Blackness. Her success serves as an inspiration for many who face similar hurdles in their careers.

Michaela Coel

Michaela Coel has used her creative work to explore themes of identity and colorism in modern society. In her series ‘I May Destroy You’ she addresses the complexities of being a Black woman in the professional world. She has noted that the industry often struggles to understand the experiences of those with darker skin. By taking control of her own narratives she ensures that her voice and perspective are heard. Her rise to prominence has been a significant milestone for dark skinned creators everywhere.

Marsai Martin

Marsai Martin has discussed the importance of seeing young dark skinned girls in positions of power. As a young producer and actress she is actively working to change the narrative in Hollywood. She has mentioned that she wants to create roles that do not focus solely on skin tone or stereotypes. Her work on ‘Black-ish’ allowed her to reach a wide audience and promote positive representation. She represents a new generation of talent that is unwilling to accept the status quo.

Jodie Turner-Smith

Jodie Turner-Smith has frequently spoken about the invisibility of dark skinned women in mainstream media. She has shared her experiences with being told that her look was too niche for certain roles. Her starring role in ‘Anne Boleyn’ challenged traditional casting norms and sparked a global conversation. She believes that the industry is still far from achieving true color blindness in its processes. Her bold choices continue to push the boundaries of representation in film and television.

Danielle Brooks

Danielle Brooks has been an advocate for body positivity and skin tone diversity throughout her career. Known for her role in ‘Orange Is the New Black’ she has seen firsthand how casting can be restrictive. She has expressed concern that colorism is still a major factor in determining who gets to be a star. By being visible and vocal she hopes to inspire more confidence in dark skinned women. Her commitment to authenticity has made her a beloved figure in the entertainment community.

Issa Rae

Issa Rae has used her platform to highlight the everyday realities of Black women including the impact of colorism. In her hit show ‘Insecure’ she featured a diverse cast that showcased various skin tones and backgrounds. She has discussed the importance of intentionality when it comes to hiring and casting in Hollywood. Her success as a creator has allowed her to open doors for many others who are often overlooked. She continues to advocate for a more nuanced and honest portrayal of Black life in media.

Thandiwe Newton

Thandiwe Newton has expressed her regret for the ways she may have benefited from colorism in her career. She apologized to darker skinned actresses for being the person chosen for certain roles over them. Her candid reflections on her own privilege have been praised for their honesty and vulnerability. She has acknowledged that the industry’s preference for lighter skin is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed. Her comments have encouraged a deeper look at how casting choices affect the entire Black community.

Normani

Normani has shared how colorism affected her confidence during her time in a girl group. She often felt like she was treated differently or given less spotlight than her lighter skinned peers. Since going solo she has been more vocal about the need for better representation for dark skinned Black women in pop. Her music videos often celebrate Black beauty in all its forms and shades. She remains a powerful voice for young Black artists navigating the complexities of the music world.

Holly Robinson Peete

Holly Robinson Peete has addressed the evolution of colorism in Hollywood over several decades. She has seen how the industry’s preferences have shifted yet the core issue remains largely the same. In various interviews she has discussed the challenges of raising children in a society that still prizes lighter skin. She believes that more education and awareness are needed to dismantle these long standing biases. Her long career gives her a unique perspective on the persistence of these problems in the media.

Tamera Mowry-Housley

Tamera Mowry-Housley has spoken about the different ways she and her sister were perceived due to their skin tones. She has noted that even within the same family colorism can manifest in subtle and harmful ways. On her talk show ‘The Real’ she often engaged in deep conversations about identity and race. She has expressed that the industry still has a long way to go in treating all Black women with equal respect. Her openness has helped many fans understand the complexities of colorist attitudes.

Yvonne Orji

Yvonne Orji has used her comedy and acting to highlight the specific experiences of the African diaspora. She has discussed how colorism can vary across different cultures but still results in similar exclusions. Her role in ‘Insecure’ allowed her to explore these themes alongside a talented and diverse cast. She believes that telling authentic stories is the best way to combat the narrow views held by many in Hollywood. Her success continues to prove that there is a massive audience for diverse Black narratives.

Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny has been very open about the difficulties of finding lead roles as a dark skinned actress. She has shared stories of being told she was too dark for certain parts even when they were written for Black women. Her talent and striking looks have made her a standout in projects like ‘Star’ but the struggle for equity remains. She continues to advocate for a world where skin tone does not dictate a performer’s potential. Her resilience in the face of these challenges is an inspiration to many young actors.

Anika Noni Rose

Anika Noni Rose has addressed the lack of representation for dark skinned women in musical theater and film. She famously voiced Tiana in ‘The Princess and the Frog’ which was a milestone for Black representation. However she has also noted that the industry often reverts to safer casting choices that favor lighter skin. She remains a strong advocate for more diverse and inclusive storytelling across all mediums. Her career highlights the importance of having dark skinned women in iconic and beloved roles.

Sheryl Lee Ralph

Sheryl Lee Ralph has seen the landscape of Hollywood change over her long and distinguished career. She has often spoken about the early days of her career when colorism was even more overt. While she acknowledges the progress made she insists that the industry still has deep seated issues. Her recent success in ‘Abbott Elementary’ has brought her back into the spotlight where she continues to champion diversity. She remains a vocal mentor for the next generation of Black talent.

Dominique Fishback

Dominique Fishback has used her roles to showcase the depth and humanity of dark skinned women. In projects like ‘Judas and the Black Messiah’ and ‘Swarm’ she has delivered powerful and acclaimed performances. She has discussed the importance of being able to play complex characters that are not defined by their skin tone. She believes that the industry must do more to support and promote dark skinned leads in all genres. Her rising star is a testament to the power of authentic and diverse casting.

Halle Bailey

Halle Bailey has faced significant colorist and racist backlash after being cast in ‘The Little Mermaid’ as Ariel. She has spoken about how she leaned on her family and community to stay strong during the controversy. Her performance proved that she was the perfect choice for the role regardless of her skin tone. She hopes that her success will make it easier for other dark skinned girls to see themselves as princesses and leads. Her journey has highlighted the ongoing challenges of representation in major film franchises.

Leigh-Anne Pinnock

Leigh-Anne Pinnock has been very vocal about the colorism she experienced as a member of Little Mix. She produced a documentary that explored the systemic racism and skin tone bias within the UK music industry. She shared her feelings of invisibility and the struggle to feel as valued as her lighter bandmates. Since then she has continued to use her platform to educate others on the importance of equity. Her bravery in speaking out has resonated with many fans and artists around the world.

Jourdan Dunn

Jourdan Dunn has frequently criticized the fashion industry for its lack of diversity and its preference for lighter skin. She was one of the first dark skinned models to achieve major success in recent years but she has noted the obstacles were many. She has shared stories of makeup artists not having the right shades for her skin on major shoots. Her experiences reflect the broader issues of exclusion that still exist in the world of high fashion. She continues to push for more inclusive standards in the modeling industry.

Duckie Thot

Duckie Thot has become a prominent figure in fashion while speaking out against the colorism she has faced. She has discussed how she was treated during her early days in the industry and the lack of support for dark skinned models. Her striking features and dark complexion have made her a favorite for many high end brands. She believes that the industry is slowly changing but that more work needs to be done to ensure lasting equity. Her presence on global runways is a powerful statement against traditional beauty norms.

Tell us what you think about the state of colorism in Hollywood today in the comments.