Trailblazing Hattie McDaniel was the 13th child born to former slaves in Wichita, Kansas in 1893. She rose from dire poverty and, after working her way through vaudeville and bit parts in Hollywood, she made history as the first African American to win an Oscar, for her powerful performance in Gone with the Wind (1939). Unfortunately, after accepting the award, Hattie was forced to return to her table far away from the rest of the cast in the back of the room. The ceremony was held at the Ambassador Hotel, which had a whites-only policy, and producer David O. Selznick had to beg the hotel to let McDaniel attend. Even after her historic win, Hollywood only offered her stereotypical roles and though she was criticized for accepting them, she was frank about the limitations that existed in the Jim Crow Era. “I'd rather play a maid and make $700 a week," she said, "than be a maid and make $7.” Off-screen however, Hattie was able to do more to fight racism. In 1945, she galvanized her Black neighbors in West Adams Heights to fight eviction from their homes caused by restrictions banning Black people from living in certain districts. The battle went to court, where the race restrictions were ruled unconstitutional. Two years later she made history again, becoming the first African American actress to star in her own radio show when she took the title role of Beulah (who was previously played by a white male). She was cast in the TV version of Beulah but shot only six episodes before becoming ill with breast cancer. She passed away on October 26, 1952. Her wish to be buried at Hollywood Cemetery (now known as Hollywood Forever) was denied because of racism. She was buried instead at Angelus-Rosedale Cemetery. On the 47th anniversary of her death, Hollywood Forever unveiled a 4 foot tall pink granite cenotaph for her with the words “To Honor Her Last Wish” and included a quote from McDaniel’s grand-nephew: “Aunt Hattie, you are a credit to your craft, your race, and to your family.” As for her Oscar—it’s missing. Hattie left it to Howard University, and it was last seen in 1972. #oscars