african American characters that pushed back

It is a sad fact in the industry that Black actors , despite break out performances in major films could end up back playing slaves, servants, gangsters and hookers, the roles they are trying to get away from. Even Sidney Poitier, after appearing in Edge of the City and The defiant ones, was forced into Porgy and Bess when he was told if he turned Sam Goldwyn down, his film career was probably over.