A black woman added to the regular cast on Saturday Night Live is getting a lot of attention, even in 2014. It seems to be a big deal since it has been more than six years since a black woman was in the lineup. What does this attention say about the progress of racial equality as we commemorate the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr.?
Sasheer Zamata made a low-key but notable debut on "Saturday Night Live" as the first black female cast member since 2007.
As usual for a "SNL" newcomer, Zamata kept a low profile on Saturday's broadcast. She participated in sketches in roles including Rihanna and a teenager at a slumber party.
The 27-year-old comedian and improv performer was signed earlier this month in the wake of criticism of "SNL" for its lack of ethnic diversity. Black male cast members Kenan Thompson and Jay Pharoah were among those voicing complaints last fall.
The NBC series has had only four black women cast members in its 39 seasons. The most recent was Maya Rudolph. The biracial actress left in 2007.
The show has also recently hired two black female writers.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press.
Comments
SNL
i like that SNL added her to the cast, and i don't think this should have gotten so much attention, because there are many black actors and actresses, and hopefully by now, people have learned to accept it!
It should not have been as
It should not have been as big of a deal as it was. For all we know there has not been any ethnic people funny enough or what SNL was looking for at that time. I do not think anyone has thought about the fact that SNL has a type of humor and maybe the applicants did not fit that humor or fit in with the cast.
Wow
I don't think this should have been such a big deal to people. We see black actors and actresses in movies and shows everyday! It is sad to see this getting has gotten so much attention and that people are making a big deal out of it.