Hattie McDaniel – First Black Oscar Winner

“I’d rather make $700 a week playing a maid than $7 being one.” – Hattie McDaniel

At a time when Hollywood offered little more than servant roles to Black actors, Hattie McDaniel broke through. In 1940, she made history as the first Black person to win an Oscar, for her role as Mammy in Gone with the Wind.

Her win was groundbreaking — but not without controversy. She wasn’t allowed to sit with her white co-stars at the ceremony. Still, she walked up, accepted the award with grace, and changed the course of film history.

This tee honors her courage, talent, and the heavy doors she cracked open for every Black actor who followed.

Hollywood didn’t give her a seat — so she made one. Wear Hattie’s story and honor the legacy of a true Black first.

• 100% combed and ring-spun cotton (Heather colors contain polyester)
• Ash color is 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Heather colors are 52% combed and ring-spun cotton, 48% polyester
• Athletic and Black Heather are 90% combed and ring-spun cotton, 10% polyester
• Heather Prism colors are 99% combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester
• Fabric weight: 4.2 oz (142 g/m2)
• Pre-shrunk fabric
• Shoulder-to-shoulder taping
• Side-seamed

Size guide