Halle Bailey and the Significance of Black Representation in 'The Little Mermaid'
Halle Bailey on the ocean blue carpet during the world premiere of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” on May 8, 2023 in Hollywood, California.
Allison Dinner/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
By: Adonis Armstrong
Halle Bailey recently demonstrated the importance of honoring those who paved the way for you.
On May 8th, the world premiere of The Little Mermaid was celebrated by many, with several famous celebrities walking down the ocean-blue carpet and expressing their views on the movie, including its lead, Bailey.
During her conversations with various media sources regarding young girls and representation, she stated, “I hope that they just know they are worthy. And we deserve to be in these spaces, and I hope that they see themselves and be on the screen. I’m just grateful to be here. There were women before me like Brandy and Anika Rose, who really were the blueprint for me to even be able to be here today. So, I’m just taking this moment all in. I’m so excited.”
Prior to Bailey's well-deserved role as the first Black princess in a live-action Disney remake, a number of talented and soulful singers had already paved the way. In 1997, Brandy made history as the first Black woman to portray a princess for the renowned entertainment company in the film Cinderella, which also featured Whitney Houston.
After a span of twelve years, another remarkable vocalist left an indelible mark in history. Actress Rose made her debut as Disney's inaugural Black animated princess in The Princess and the Frog. She also graced the premiere of The Little Mermaid and had some kind words to say about Bailey.
During her interview with ET, Rose expressed her thoughts on portraying a Disney princess by saying, “It’s very intense in a good way… She’s ready. She knows what to do. She knows who she is. She’s very comfortable within herself. She has a kind spirit, and I don’t think that’s gonna change.”
Princess Tiana herself, @AnikaNoniRose, praises Halle Bailey at #TheLittleMermaid premiere: "She has a kind spirit, and I don't think that's gonna change." pic.twitter.com/2dozs3DjkY
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) May 9, 2023
Black representation matters in films, I believe Halle will have the same impact as the late great Chadwick Boseman in Black Panther. Which will draw huge crowds of Black girls who can see themselves through Bailey on screen.
Much success to Halle and continue to be strive to open the gate for more Black princess in entertainment. The Little Mermaid will drop in theaters on May 26.
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