Brandy Norwood played so many iconic roles in the 90s and one of the most iconic roles she played (in my opinion) would be the role of Cinderella. In Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella Brandy was able to play the first black Cinderella and she was the first Black princess that many children saw. The movie showed a Black fairy godmother, a Black Cinderella, a Black step-sister, and a Black queen. This gave so much representation to children in the 90s.
The movie was not just iconic because it brought us the first Black Cinderella. It also showed a Filipino prince and for many, this was the first Filipino they saw on television. Not only that, but the movie showed two interracial couples and this allowed for so many to see themselves or their parent’s relationships become shown on national television.
Because of this many people had been so impacted by the movie and wanted to be able to stream it. After many years of asking it was finally brought to Disney+ on February 12. This will allow for so many children to be able to see themselves and feel represented.
Many people think of the animated version of Cinderella when they think of Cinderella. However, I feel like for the Black community this movie is so special. The voices of Brandy and Whitney Houston made the movie feel even more magical and I am so glad that it is now streaming. Even now as an adult this movie makes me feel so special when watching it. It’s also so beautiful to be able to see that the work of Whitney Houston and Natalie Desselle live on and hopefully now it will continue to for many generations.
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella will always have a special place in my heart because of the way it showed black women in such a beautiful light. If you have not seen this version of Cinderella I really hope that you go to Disney+ and watch it.