Monique Coleman Speaks Out About Inequity That She Experienced in ‘High School Musical’
Monique Coleman is grateful for the opportunity to represent Black girls in the hit film High School Musical but she also admits that there were struggles that set her apart from her non-Black cast-mates.
It was only 15 years ago that Coleman quickly realized the hairstylists on set didn’t know how to properly flatter her African American hair. To make up for the problem that she could clearly see, she covered up the front of her hair with a headband which then became a staple style for her character.
It’s like Black people are brand new, like how did you go to beauty school and come out knowing nothing about the hair of half the human race???
— Hodan Jama (@Hodanhadal) January 26, 2021
Due to her hairband being so iconic to her character, it seems like a no-brainer to audiences who have watched these films since they were kids that this accessory was included in the costume. But this new information reminds us that different forms of inequality and ignorance come in all shapes and sizes. Coleman acknowledged to Insider that she felt lucky that the crew would take her feedback instead of shutting her down. There are still plenty of other stories of actors who’ve wanted to make a change but didn’t have the power to influence their own art.
Jaz Sinclair had the same experience. It really is heartbreaking pic.twitter.com/iop1fpSjXm
— Kai-Lynn cuts onions😭 (@CutTheBS5) January 27, 2021
Coleman got to own her costume design and was even allowed to create her outfit for the final dance sequence we all know and love, “We’re All in This Together.” She discussed how the costume was partly inspired by Britney Spear’s music video, “Baby One More Time,” like an ‘awakening’.
Coleman stated she was extremely grateful for the role both in getting to act in a great franchise while also representing a Black character that didn’t fit the typical stereotype. “It means the world to me, particularly because Taylor is such a dynamic character and the smartest person at school and all of that at a time where, often, Black girl characters tended to be the ones who had an attitude or to be sassy. And I appreciated that that wasn’t why people loved Taylor. They loved her because she was smart and supportive.”
✊🏾❤️ @KamalaHarris #KamalaHarris #taylormckessie #taylormckessieforpresident #RepresentationMatters #BidenHarris2020 #VPElectKamalaHarris #hsm #highschoolmusical pic.twitter.com/xzdncQA6bm
— Monique Coleman (@gimmemotalk) November 9, 2020
If you miss watching Taylor McKessie with her preppy headbands, Zac Efron as Troy Bolton, and the ultimate final dance sequence, you can watch all of the High School Musical movies on Disney+ in honor of its anniversary.
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