It’s no secret that racism and bias ran rampant in the film industry in the 19th and 20th centuries. Film producers and casting agents seldom chose Black actors for roles that were not rooted in some damaging stereotype. Stars such as Diahann Carroll, Dorothy Dandridge, and Lena Horne are just a few of the many bombshells who, against all odds, successfully forged a path for other women of color who would come after them. They were also pioneers who fought to close the income gap between Black and White actors, and demanded more respectable roles for Black actors in major motion pictures.

     Fresh off the success of the film One Night in Miami, actress and director Regina King is working on bringing the story of another trailblazer to the silver screen. According to Variety, she is creating a film about pioneering politician Shirley Chisholm.

      Civil rights leader Bayard Rustin’s relentless fight for social justice will forever be embedded in the fabric of American history. According to Variety, a new film about his life and legacy is coming to Netflix.

      Mogul Jay-Z and actor Michael B. Jordan are teaming up to bring the story of a sports icon to the small screen. According to Deadline, the two are working on a television series about the life and legacy of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.