3. One who employs a labourer and takes full work from him but does not pay him for his labour...
BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said, “Allah said, ‘I will be an opponent to three types of people on the Day of Resurrection:
1. One who makes a covenant in My Name, but proves treacherous;
2. One who sells a free person and eats his price; and
3. One who employs a labourer and takes full work from him but does not pay him for his labour.‘“
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 36, Number 470
Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Oscar, had to make her way to the stage from a segregated table at the back of the room.
Hattie McDaniel was a trailblazing actress whose talent broke barriers in Hollywood. Born on June 10, 1895, in Wichita, Kansas, she grew up in a family of performers, which influenced her early interest in entertainment. McDaniel’s career began in the 1920s as a singer and actress in vaudeville productions. She later transitioned to radio and eventually made her mark in Hollywood.
Despite facing racial discrimination and limited opportunities for black actors, McDaniel’s talent shone through. Her breakthrough came with the role of Mammy in the 1939 film Gone with the Wind, based on the novel by Margaret Mitchell.
In 1940, McDaniel made history by becoming the first African American to win an Academy Award. She won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Mammy, a character that, while criticized for perpetuating stereotypes, McDaniel imbued with depth and humanity.
At the ceremony, she was made to sit not at the Gone with the Wind table, but at a small, segregated table at the far wall of the room. The venue – the Cocoanut Grove nightclub in The Ambassador Hotel which had a strict no-Blacks policy – had allowed her in as a special favour. Her acceptance speech was gracious and heartfelt, expressing her gratitude for the recognition of her work.
Throughout her career, McDaniel remained a trailblazer and a symbol of resilience. She used her platform to advocate for racial equality and paved the way for other African American actors and actresses. Despite facing discrimination and adversity, she never wavered in her commitment to her craft and her community.
Some of McDaniel’s other notable film roles include Judge Priest (1934), Alice Adams (1935), and In This Our Life (1942). McDaniel appeared in over 300 films throughout her career, often portraying maids or housekeepers due to the limited roles available to African American actors at the time. McDaniel brought depth and dignity to her characters, showcasing her acting range and skill.
In addition to her work in film, McDaniel was also a talented singer and musician. She recorded several albums and performed on radio programs, showcasing her vocal talents to a wide audience.
Despite the limitations and challenges she faced as an African American actress in Hollywood, Hattie McDaniel’s talent and contributions to film and entertainment are undeniable. Her legacy as a pioneer for African American performers continues to be celebrated and remembered today.
