Hazel Scott, born in 1920, was one of the most influential African American musicians of her time. Born in Trinidad, she moved to New York City with her mother and grandmother at a very young age to pursue music, as she was very gifted very early on in her life. Playing a variety of instruments, her forte was performing American jazz through piano and song. Further, she became a very well known face on the screen, becoming a very highly respected and accomplished actress as well, also having her own television show in 1950 called, The Hazel Scott Show. Hazel Scott was a positive, strong-willed leader in fighting for civility and equality for African Americans, especially being a strong voice for women, particularly those who were African American.
Scott was extremely invested in the Civil Rights Movement and was determined to use her widely known and recognized platform to make advancements towards the movement. She would only be sure to take on roles that portrayed both African Americans and females in a positive light. She knew that since she was so well respected and followed, regardless of the oppositions she may face, she had the power and the voice to take a stand and place a spotlight on the issues of civil rights and racial and gender injustices. In radio, music and television, she became known as “Hazel Scott: Jazz star and barrier breaker”, putting her in the forefront with other influential leaders fighting for the same causes.
She fiercely stood up against segregation on all fronts and found the idea to be repulsive. She refused to perform in places where African Americans and White individuals were forced to be seated separately. In Time Magazine, she stated, “Why would anyone come to hear me, a Negro, and refuse to sit beside someone just like me?”, as she could not understand the disparities and hardships that existed towards the African American people, as it seemed so unjust and unfair. She also was sure to refuse any role in movies or television that compromised the integrity of females, either portraying females as sexual characters, or background actresses needing no recognition. She did the same when it came to taking roles that would cast African Americans in a bad light stereotyping based on the color of her skin. Fighting against racial prejudice was her main goal, and she at the very least gained attention and insight towards the cause through her performances and her activism.
I firmly believe that Hazel Scott had to overcome significant barriers in order to be as successful and admired as she was. It is no secret that African Americans were constantly faced with fierce opposition and trials against them, yet she never allowed that to discourage nor deter her. Not only did she make sure she stood up for her own morals and what she believed was right, she did so with class and grace and stood up for the people around her even more. Being an African American female during the Civil Rights Movement was very difficult and being even remotely respected, at that, was seemingly impossible. Yet, she defied the odds and still did just that, despite what other views might have to say about it. I really respect and admire all she was working towards accomplishing and find it to be miraculous the way in which she approached the entire thing. If you never heard of Hazel Scott, now you have, and it is more than clear to see why she would be someone worth knowing about.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hazel_Scott#Early_life
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hazel_Scott_Show
https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/hazel-scott
https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/instruments/piano/hazel-scott-jazz-entertainer-fought-racial-segregation/
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