Hollywood Songtext
von Clairdee

For years, the only roles black actors could play in films were
Those of servants in plantation movies or caricatures in jungle
Movies. During World War II, the NAACP decided it was time to
Change the image of Hollywood with roles that didn′t demean black
Actors on the silver screen. Lena was the test case, which made
Her the enemy of a lot of African American actors, who accused her
Of trying to take work away from them. She got it from all sides


"I was used by many organizations, first of all, to get employment
For other people. But I was also used, most uncomfortably
In a way that appeared to be a slap to the Negro people who
Had to accept any kind of caricature just to work. The Negro
People, particularly, who were in that kind of trap had a right
To resent me very much. On the other hand, I certainly couldn't
Become part of the Hollywood white group. I was never allowed
To act with a white person in a scene. So, I was really suspended
In mid-air between down on Central Avenue and out at MGM."