Counting on my people to come with the George Washington Carver, Booker T. Washingtonand A&M HBCUs for #BlackFriday, #FromTheEarth Edition.
I may be more inclined to do so before the holiday ends, but for now, #EarthaKitt ladies and gentlemen. I'm from her.
1/ I interviewed Eartha Kitt in advance of her 2001 Milwaukee performance as Fairy Godmother in Cinderella.
During a WH mtg. on juvenile delinquency, Kitt said the Vietnam War was a reason kids were "being naughty." FLOTUS Lady Bird cried. LBJ had her blacklisted. Kitt said within 2 hours her nightclub dates, TV gigs & film offers were canceled.
She went to Europe, Asia & Middle East to make a living. In 1974, she returned to the U.S. when Carter invited her to the White House.
2/ Kitt said she turned down a role in the 1982 film, Cat People, starring Nastassja Kinski.
Kitt read the part of a character whose dialect was peppered with stereotypic Black dialog. “I read the script the way I normally talk," and the producer opted for another actress.
“I’m glad I didn’t get the part,” Kitt said, laughing. “Because it was a rotten film!”
@SharonGibson3 So much dignity wrapped in a gorgeous persona. Thank you for all of this.
And... wtf was SHE crying for?!