Why Representation Matters: Disney’s First Black Princess

How did it feel to make history as the first Black American Disney princess at Walt Disney World?

I actually had no idea I would ever become a Disney Princess but it has become a life-changing platform for me. After auditioning for a singing contract at Walt Disney World (WDW) Entertainment, I received a phone call asking me to audition for the role of Tiana, the first African American Disney princess. Four days later they offered me the role. I was so shocked and excited.

I didn’t always see myself as pretty or someone to look up to, but being Tiana showed me I was all this and more. It gave me an opportunity to be seen as black and beautiful and accepted for who I was by people from all different cultural backgrounds and nationalities.

Throughout my WDW experience I got to meet families from all over the world. For the first time I felt seen by all without just being seen by the color of my skin….it was “magical”. During my time in the parks, I traveled as Princess Tiana, opening and closing parades, attending special events such as the Philadelphia parade, and making special appearances on major TV networks like the Disney Channel and ABC. I got to travel as the media face of Walt Disney World, meaning my face represented Princess Tiana’s face. I felt truly beautiful and confident.

In the film “The Princess and the Frog” ,Tiana was a waitress with the hopes of running her own restaurant and thereby fulfilling her and her fathers dream. She then embarks on a very unexpected adventure through the Bayou as a frog, ultimately finding love, kissing a frog, becoming Princess Tiana, and accomplishing her dreams in the process.

Within my Disney career, I eventually became a trainer, which was a huge accomplishment. I got to train girls, teach them the legacy of Princess Tiana’s story and the importance of us as Black girls coming together to represent for our Princess. I was honored to see young Black and biracial girls feel the same acceptance of being seen as this beautiful lead. It was monumental.

Who were your idols growing up?

My idol growing up was Whitney Houston. She was the first African American woman to cross over to the mainstream as the Voice of America at her time. Seeing her admired for just being as beautiful and talented as she was, captivated me. I remember thinking “Whitney is like a princess, adored by all.”

There was something about her music that made me feel free. Her music touched so many people and she was accepted for who she was as a Black woman.

I was also a huge fan of the one and only Janet Jackson. Even though she was not part of the famous Jackson 5, Janet stood out most to me. She had a bubbly personality, was an incredible dancer and had such a commanding presence, even with her soft voice.

She was adored internationally and created her work purposely based around different cultural backgrounds. It taught me a lot about acceptance and inclusion.

The whole world knew who she was; she was unstoppable. And watching her I felt I could do that too.

Being a kid at that time I had no idea I could ever do anything like that, “see the world” and do what I love to do. Little did I know what my future had in store…

But ’til this day I am still a fan of both of these legendary women and I understand now my connection and admiration for them.

Tell us about some of your favorite “Hidden Figures” who we might not have heard about in history class.

We’ve always known about the monumental figures of black history such as MLK, Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks, to name only a few. But there are also so many unnamed and hidden figures that we weren’t taught about in our history books growing up.

One of these “Hidden Figures” was a fifteen year old named Claudette Colvin, an American Pioneer, who was actually kicked off the bus and arrested only 9 months prior to Rosa Parks.

The only differences between Rosa and Claudette was their skin tone and their connections. Rosa Parks had the backing of the influential NAACP.

Of course Rosa Parks taking a stand was so important because it drew national attention to the fact that African Americans should be treated equally and were not inferior to whites. But it is important to remember and honor Claudette Colvin and many more Black activists who took a stand for the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

I chose this story because it highlights the colorism issue that exists for Black women and other women of color. Now that I have traveled the world, I’ve learned that it exists everywhere. This is one reason I find joy in being the face of the black Princess of Disney.

The melanin of my brown skin was not always accepted but I am so grateful to know inclusion plays a huge part in changing our history today.

How does it make you feel to be an inspiration to so many Black children and adults?

One of the most memorable moments I can share was when an older black woman came to meet Princess Tiana. Her eyes were filled with tears as she said, “Thank you so much for being a beautiful, chocolate black, young lady of representation and a role model for these kids. When I was your age I never had anyone like you to look up to.”

That meant the world to me and told me that I was doing something right… and that this role wasn’t just for kids, it was for all generations. I was a part of setting a different standard of beauty.

Portraying Tiana is something I am really proud of and I love that I still get to be that for children here in the Tristate area. Some families can’t always afford a Disney Ticket but I can bring the Magic to them.

What does representation mean to you? Why does it matter?

Representation Matters so much for me because it gives kids a chance to see themselves, to dream big and aim higher to set and achieve their goals.

They can see the possibilities without feeling that they have to change who they are. Representation helps them learn to accept themselves and be proud of where they come from.

I love what I get to do for all children. It is truly a gift.