Affirm Black Women Portrait Series: Diahann Carroll

“Denying that I’m a Black woman does me no service.” - Diahann Carroll (2019, Watercolor and ink on paper, 8.75” x 12”, by Lydia Makepeace)

“Denying that I’m a Black woman does me no service.” - Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll broke barrier after barrier as an American actress, and singer. She was the first Black woman to star in an American show in a non-stereotypical role. She was also the first Black woman to win a Tony for her role in the Broadway musical No Strings. Her personal favorite role was as diva Dominique Deveraux on the soap opera Dynasty, stating, "I want to be wealthy and ruthless … I want to be the first black bitch on television."

View the complete Affirm Black Women portrait series here