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Black Hollywood: The Stereotypes, Erasure, And Social Inclusivity Of Black Entertainers In Hollywood, 1930-60s, Jalen Robinson

jr9714@bard.edu

My field of study allowed me to concentrate on film history, especially during the pivotal periods between the Great depression and the Civil Rights Movement. My topic focuses on the utilization, and lack thereof, of African American musicians, singers, comedians, and actors in Hollywood films. The prominence of jazz/swing music, mixed with the popularity of the optimistic musical genre, defined the majority of possible avenues black talent could find work in the studio system. I examine the social stigmatization of black entertainers stereotyped in various roles within this genre, as well as a few non-musical movies, and the stars who …