by Renee Morgan

Created on: July 27, 2008   Last Updated: July 30, 2008

Cicely Tyson would have to be my all time favorite. Lady Tyson has stood the test of time. She is one of the so few who has been in the business through a few eras and took part in the telling of these eras. She has been one of the few who would dare to portray the hardships of being an African-American and our coming out into the world. She can portray the life style of 200 years ago or the life of modern day African-Americans. She has the style that carried from Miss Jane Pittman of the 1800's to the mother and great-aunt in Madea's Family Reunion, of the 2000's. That is a great accomplishment for one little woman to carry. Cicely Tyson has done this with a touch that is ever burning.

With all of this say, it is still hard to choose one African-American actors who stand out from the rest. Just to site one would surly be a hard job. With all the heart I have for Cicely Tyson, I would still consider all African-American actors famous. There is no way we can go without throwing a shout out to actors such as Sidney Poitier, Bill Cosby, Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones, Esther Rolle, Louis Gossett, Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Pam Grier, Flip Wilson, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis. This is just to name a few who were active in opening the doors for African-American in films.

Then we would need to look at the ones who are making sure the door is open forever. These are actors like Denzel Washington, Halle Berry, Wesley Snipes, Blair Underwood, Laurence Fishburne, Queen Latifah, Damon and Keenan Ivory Wayans, Angela Bassett, Tyler Perry, Morgan Freeman, Jada Pinkett and Will Smith.

Omar Epps, Terrence Howard, Paul Winfield, Carl Weathers, Forest Whitaker, Beah Richards, Billy Dee Williams, Howard E. Rollins, Jr, Sinbad, Vanessa Williams, Chris Tucker, Ira Aldridge, John Amos, Harry Belafonte, Avery Brooks, LeVar Burton are all actors who should dare not to mention.

Scatman Crothers, Eartha Kitt, Whoopi Goldberg, Stepin Fetchit, Martin Lawrence, Cleavon Little, Bernie Mac, Eddie Murphy, Della Reese, Richard Pryor, Shari Belafonte-Harper, or Oprah Winfrey, Ethel Waters, Aaliyah, Lisa Gay Hamilton, do we leave them out of the hall of fame.

While the list is very long and growing everyday, which do we leave out; who we claim any less, with all the talent and charisma that flows out like a never-ending river. Everyday their lights shine brighter and new stars are growing.

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