Topic: Hazel Scott
Hazel Scott was a Trinidadian-born jazz and classical pianist, singer, and actor who gained fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her incredible talent at the piano and her charismatic stage presence. Scott was one of the first Black women to have her own television show, "The Hazel Scott Show," which premiered in 1950.
She was also a civil rights activist and broke racial barriers throughout her career. Scott refused to perform in segregated venues, and in 1950, she famously challenged racial segregation on television by refusing to play a concert unless the show's sponsor, Pet Milk, integrated their audience. This act of defiance led to her show being canceled, but Scott was unwavering in her commitment to civil rights.
Hazel Scott's legacy as a talented musician and advocate for racial equality continues to inspire generations of performers and activists.