WOMEN OF INFLUENCE
DOROTHY DANDRIDGE (1923-1965)
Dorothy Dandridge broke barriers for Black actresses, paving the way for future generations. She was a singer, dancer, and actor as well as the first African American to appear on the cover of Life Magazine. This allowed her to change perceptions, challenge stereotypes and reach a broad audience. She was the first African American to be nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. She performed at the Cotton Club, the Empire Room at the Waldorf Astoria and the Apollo Theatre and her role in the musical, Porgy & Bess, landed her a Golden Globe award. She encountered much racism in the entertainment industry and spoke out to protect her successors. Dandridge was a member of the NAACP and Urban League, actively fighting for equity and civil rights.