Black Firsts in Entertainment

Juanita Hall
First African American to
win the Tony Award

 
William Grant Still
1895-1978
First African American to conduct a major symphony orchestra in the United States

Hattie McDaniel
(center)
First African American to win an Academy Award

Mal Goode
First African American
reporter on television

Suzan-Lori Parks
First Black woman to win the Pulitizer Prize in drama

Sidney Poitier
First Black man to win an
Academy Award

Phylicia Rashad
First Black woman to win the Tony Award for Lead Actress
in a dramatic role