Keke Palmer Speaks Out in Explosive Interview Exclusives

Keke Palmer On Not Being “In The Same Conversation” As Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez & Victoria Justice: “That’s Keke Palmer, The Black Girl On The Network”

Keke Palmer’s early success on Nickelodeon as the star of True Jackson, VP, pales in comparison to the glittering careers of Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Victoria Justice. But in a recent interview, Palmer reflected on the Hollywood limitations faced by young Black women, and the impact of systemic racism on their career advancement.

Speaking to Gizmoposts24, Palmer revealed that she didn’t feel she was in the same conversation as her peers at the time. “I wasn’t necessarily in the same conversations as Victoria Justice or Selena Gomez or Miley Cyrus at that time,” she said. “People were putting limitations” on her.

The limitations in question are starkly evident in the way Palmer’s career trajectory was handled. While her peers were catapulted to stardom on major networks, Palmer was relegated to the “Black show” niche. “It was very much ‘That’s the Black show’ or ‘That’s Keke Palmer, the Black girl on the network,'” she recalled.

The Limitations of Being a Young Black Woman in Hollywood

The challenges faced by young Black women in the entertainment industry are well-documented. However, it’s the systemic nature of these limitations that’s particularly insidious. By relegating Black women to specific roles or genres, Hollywood perpetuates stereotypes and tokenism, stifling their ability to break down barriers and redefine their brand.

• The “Black show” phenomenon has been a staple of Hollywood programming for decades, with shows like “The Cosby Show” and “Martin” paving the way for future generations. However, this trend has also led to a dearth of diverse casting in main roles, relegating Black women to secondary or supporting positions.
• The lack of representation and opportunities for Black women in leading roles is a major obstacle for young talent like Palmer. According to a 2020 report by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, only 12% of leading roles in Hollywood films went to Black women in 2019.
• The consequences of perpetuating stereotypes and tokenism are severe. By limiting the roles available to Black women, Hollywood reinforces negative stereotypes and reinforces the notion that they are only capable of playing certain types of characters.

The Career of Keke Palmer: From Child Star to Adult Roles

Keke Palmer’s career has been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows. From her early success on Nickelodeon to her transition into adult roles, Palmer has faced numerous challenges in her pursuit of stardom.

True Jackson, VP was a breakout hit for Palmer, running for three seasons from 2008 to 2011. However, as she transitioned into adult roles, Palmer struggled to find suitable parts. “You’re at this weird age where you’re too young for the kind of roles that you would want and you’re too old for the kind of roles you used to get,” she explained.

The difficulties of rebuilding a brand and finding new opportunities are a common theme in Palmer’s career. “Your brand was made up of you being a kid, and you’re not a kid anymore. So you have to build a new one,” she said.

The Transition to Adult Roles

The transition to adult roles can be a daunting task for any young actor. However, for Black women like Palmer, the challenge is compounded by the systemic limitations mentioned earlier.

• The scarcity of roles for young Black women in Hollywood is a major obstacle. According to a 2020 report by the Sundance Institute, only 24% of leading roles in Sundance films went to Black women in 2019.
• The lack of representation and opportunities for Black women in leading roles perpetuates a cycle of limited opportunities and perpetuates negative stereotypes.
• The importance of taking risks and trying new things cannot be overstated. For Palmer, this meant taking on more challenging roles and experimenting with different genres.

New Beginnings: One of Them Days and Beyond

Keke Palmer’s latest project, One of Them Days, is a significant step in her career. The film, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, marks a new beginning for Palmer, one that promises to redefine her brand and push her into new territory.

The importance of collaboration and working with other artists cannot be overstated. For Palmer, working with SZA on One of Them Days was a liberating experience. “It was amazing to work with someone who is so talented and so dedicated to her craft,” she said.

Industry-Wide Change

The entertainment industry is slowly but surely beginning to change. With the rise of streaming services and the increasing demand for diverse content, there are more opportunities than ever for underrepresented groups to break through.

• The need for greater representation and diversity in the entertainment industry is a pressing one. According to a 2020 report by the Hollywood Reporter, only 12% of leading roles in Hollywood films went to Black women in 2019.
• The importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented groups cannot be overstated. By doing so, Hollywood can begin to break down the systemic barriers that have held back talented actors like Keke Palmer.
• The role of advocacy and activism in driving change is a crucial one. By speaking out and pushing for greater representation, Palmer and her peers can help bring about a more inclusive and equitable industry.