Disney Princesses have long been a staple in the world of children’s entertainment for generations. But have you ever wondered how many black Disney princesses there are? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll explore the history of black representation in Disney’s wide cast of princesses and see just how many black princesses actually exist.
We all know the classic Disney princesses like Cinderella and Snow White, but representation has been an ongoing issue for people of color in both Disney and the entertainment industry as a whole. Black princesses have been few and far between, with many wondering if Disney is making a conscious effort to include representatives of different races in their line-up of princesses.
So where do we stand today? To the disappointment of many, there are only two true black Disney princesses: Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” and Princess Jasmine from “Aladdin”. While this number may seem shockingly low, there have been attempts to increase diversity through mixed ethnicity princesses like Moana and Pocahontas. However, it begs the question as to why there is such a lack of representation for black princesses specifically and whether or not Disney will continue to make strides in their efforts for diversity and inclusion.
How Many Black Disney Princesses Are There?
Disney has been a major cultural force for several decades and one of the most popular categories within its portfolio is the Disney Princess franchise. With a focus on fantasy, magic, and love, the Disney princesses have been a source of inspiration for girls of all ages, races, and cultural backgrounds around the world.
However, it wasn’t until 2009 that Disney introduced its first black princess in the movie “The Princess and the Frog.” The film tells the story of Tiana, a young black woman from New Orleans with a passion for cooking who dreams of opening her own restaurant. The film resonated with audiences, and Tiana became an instant fan favorite.
Since then, Disney has introduced one more black princess in the film “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” where Penelope (“Vanellope”) von Schweetz finds herself exploring the world of the Disney Princesses and discovers the fun-loving modern-day princess, Princess Tiana.
Currently, there are only two official black Disney Princesses: Tiana and Vanellope. However, the Disney Princess franchise does include a diverse range of female characters from different backgrounds, races, and cultures, such as Princess Jasmine (Arabian ethnicity), Princess Pocahontas (Native American ethnicity), and Mulan (Chinese ethnicity), among others. These princesses serve as a reminder that diverse representation matters, and that every girl has the right to see herself represented in popular culture.
First Black Disney Princess: Anika Noni Rose
Anika Noni Rose is best known as the voice of Princess Tiana, the first black Disney Princess from the 2009 movie “The Princess and the Frog”. She also starred in the Broadway musical “Caroline, or Change” and the award-winning movie “Dreamgirls”. Despite being one of the lesser-known Disney Princesses, Princess Tiana has become an important figure in the Disney universe and one of the few characters of color that young girls can look up to.
How Many Black Disney Princesses Are There?
- Princess Tiana: As mentioned earlier, Anika Noni Rose voiced Princess Tiana in “The Princess and the Frog”. She is the first black Disney Princess and her movie was released in 2009.
- Princess Elena: Princess Elena of Avalor is a Latina Disney Princess and one of the few Princesses of color. She made her debut in 2016 and is voiced by Aimee Carrero.
The Importance of Representation
The inclusion of black Disney Princesses has been an important step forward in increasing representation in the Disney universe. Young children of color who watch these movies can now see themselves represented in the stories they love. This kind of representation is important because it helps to break down stereotypes and promote self-esteem in children of color.
It’s also important to note that representation doesn’t end with just the character. It’s important to have people of color involved in all aspects of creating these movies, from the writers to the animators to the producers. This helps to ensure that the stories being told are authentic and respectful to the cultures and experiences of people of color.
Conclusion: Celebrating Black Disney Princesses
While there may only be two black Disney Princesses to date, the importance of their inclusion in the Disney universe cannot be overstated. The representation of people of color in popular media is crucial for promoting diversity and breaking down harmful stereotypes. With Princess Tiana and Princess Elena, young children of color have two important role models to look up to and emulate.
| Black Disney Princess | Voice Actor/Actress | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Tiana | Anika Noni Rose | 2009 |
| Princess Elena | Aimee Carrero | 2016 |
Let’s continue to celebrate and support diversity in all forms of media, including the Disney universe.
Tiana – the first Disney princess with an African-American ancestry
Tiana is the first-ever Disney princess with an African-American ancestry. She was introduced in 2009, in the movie titled “The Princess and the Frog.” Tiana is a hardworking waitress who aspires to open her restaurant, which is set in New Orleans during the Jazz Age. From the beginning, the character was lauded for being the first princess to break the mold and be a bit more contemporary, with aspirations beyond merely finding romance and living happily ever after.
Number of Black Disney Princesses
- Tiana – The first black Disney princess in 2009 with the release of “The Princess and The Frog”.
- Moana – The first Polynesian princess with a darker skin tone released in 2016.
- Brandy – Voiced Cinderella in the ABC remake of the classic fairy tale in 1997.
Tiana’s Cultural Significance
Tiana’s significance goes beyond being a trailblazer for black Disney princesses. She represents an essential aspect of the American experience that is often underrepresented in fairy tales. Through her character, Disney explored New Orleans’ history and African-American culture while still managing to create a magical adventure. Tiana’s story also explores the idea of hard work and the balance between chasing dreams and finding love. Through Tiana’s perseverance and dedication, she finally achieved her lifelong dream of opening her restaurant, living out a message of hard work and determination.
Disney has made an effort to create more diverse and inclusive characters over the years, with Tiana being one of the most prominent examples. Her character has become a role model for young girls, particularly those who identify with her cultural background. In a world where representation matters, Tiana’s presence in the Disney franchise has made an incredible impact, paving the way for more diversity to be celebrated in film and entertainment.
Tiana’s Impact on Pop Culture
Tiana’s impact on pop culture can be seen not only in toy stores but also in theme parks and merchandise stores worldwide. Her character has become iconic, with her green gown and glittery tiara becoming a popular Halloween costume choice. She has also made multiple appearances in Disney parks worldwide and has become an integral part of Disney’s Princess Franchise. Tiana’s character has been recognized globally, with actresses and musicians such as Beyonce and Lupita Nyong’o expressing admiration for her character and her cultural significance.
| Year Released | Movie Name | Princess Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | The Princess and the Frog | Tiana |
| 2016 | Moana | Moana |
| 1997 | Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella | Cinderella (Voiced by Brandy) |
Tiana’s introduction as the first African-American Disney princess was groundbreaking for the company, opening doors for a more diverse and inclusive range of characters. Tiana’s impact on pop culture and society at large cannot be overstated, and it is evident that she will continue to inspire young girls and Disney fans worldwide for generations to come.
List of Disney Princesses by Ethnicity
The Disney Princess franchise has been praised for its inclusivity across different ethnicities and cultures. However, the representation of all ethnicities has not always been equal in the franchise. Let’s take a closer look at the different ethnicities that have been represented in the Disney Princess franchise.
Black Disney Princesses
- Tiana: Tiana is the first black Disney Princess. She made her debut in the 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog”. Tiana is unique among the Disney Princesses because her story is set in New Orleans during the 1920s. She is also the first Disney Princess to have a job.
- Nala: Although Nala from “The Lion King” is not an official Disney Princess, she is still considered by many to be a Disney Princess. Nala is a black lioness, and her story takes place in an African savanna.
Asian Disney Princesses
Asian representation in the Disney Princess franchise has been significant in recent years. There are currently four Disney Princesses of Asian descent:
- Mulan: The first Asian Disney Princess is Mulan, who made her debut in the 1998 film of the same name. She is based on a Chinese legend and is known for her bravery and fighting skills.
- Pocahontas: Pocahontas is based on a real Native American woman who lived in the early 1600s. She is part of the Powhatan tribe and is known for her strong connection to nature and her people.
- Jasmine: From the 1992 film “Aladdin”, Jasmine is a princess from the Middle Eastern kingdom of Agrabah. Jasmine is known for her strong will and intelligence.
- Raya: Raya is the newest Disney Princess, debuting in the 2021 film “Raya and the Last Dragon”. She is from the Southeast Asian-inspired land of Kumandra and is known for her determination and resourcefulness.
Latina Disney Princesses
The Disney Princess franchise has only one Latino princess:
- Elena: Elena is a Disney Princess from the Disney Channel show “Elena of Avalor”. She is inspired by different Latin cultures and is known for her bravery and leadership skills.
Native American Disney Princesses
There is only one Native American Disney Princess:
| Princess | Film |
|---|---|
| Pocahontas | “Pocahontas” (1995) |
Pocahontas is based on a real Native American woman who lived in the early 1600s. She is part of the Powhatan tribe and is known for her strong connection to nature and her people.
Comparing Tiana with other Disney princesses in terms of personality and character development
When it comes to Disney princesses, Tiana is a standout character. She’s the only black Disney princess to date, and her personality and character development are unique in many ways. However, how does she compare to the other Disney princesses in terms of personality and character development? Let’s take a closer look.
- Cinderella: Cinderella is a classic Disney princess, known for her kind heart and caring nature. However, unlike Tiana, Cinderella’s character development is not as pronounced. She starts and ends the story as a kind-hearted young woman, whereas Tiana undergoes more significant changes throughout her journey.
- Ariel: Unlike Tiana, Ariel is a rebellious character who longs to explore a world she knows little about. While both characters are driven by their passions, Tiana’s passion is centred around her dream of opening a restaurant, whereas Ariel’s passion is more abstract – her love for the human world and the prince she falls in love with.
- Mulan: Mulan is another Disney princess who defies the traditional ‘princess’ archetype. Both Tiana and Mulan are strong-willed characters, but where Mulan focuses on physical strength and her desire to protect her family, Tiana’s strength comes from her work ethic and determination to achieve her dream.
While these comparisons can be helpful, it’s essential to remember that each Disney princess is a unique character with their distinct personality and development. However, Tiana stands out in many ways, not just because she’s the only black Disney princess, but because her story highlights themes of hard work, determination and the importance of community.
Tiana’s story is also unique because it shows the value of combining passions. Unlike other Disney princesses who focus on love or adventure, Tiana’s character is centred around her love for cooking and her desire to create a space that brings people together. This message is not only empowering but also relevant in our current society, where we’re seeing a rise in entrepreneurship and the need for community-oriented businesses.
| Disney Princess | Personality Traits | Character Development |
|---|---|---|
| Tiana | Determined, Hardworking, Passionate | Significant character development throughout the story as she learns the importance of balance and community in achieving her dream. |
| Cinderella | Kind-hearted, Caring | Relatively static character development throughout the story. |
| Ariel | Curious, Rebellious, Passionate | Character development centred around her journey from mermaid to human and her understanding of the human world. |
| Mulan | Strong-willed, Protective, Loyal | Character development centred around her journey to protect her family and her growth as a warrior. |
In conclusion, while each Disney princess is unique in her way, Tiana stands out for her personality traits and character development. Her story is relevant and resonates with many individuals, making her a role model for young girls worldwide. As Disney continues to expand its universe, we can only hope that more diverse and empowering characters like Tiana will be added to the mix.
Controversies surrounding Disney’s depiction of black princesses
Disney has been a subject of controversy when it comes to their treatment and portrayal of black princesses. Here are some of the controversies surrounding Disney’s depiction of black princesses:
- Lack of representation: Disney has only produced two black princess movies – The Princess and the Frog (2009) and the upcoming Raya and the Last Dragon (2021), compared to the numerous films featuring white princesses. This lack of representation has been criticized for not accurately reflecting the diversity of its audience.
- Lightening skin color: In the original concept art for The Princess and the Frog, Tiana, the black princess, had a darker skin tone compared to the final character design in the film. Many criticized Disney for lightening her skin color and making her look more racially ambiguous.
- Stereotyping: Critics have accused Disney of stereotyping their black princesses and perpetuating negative stereotypes. In The Princess and the Frog, Tiana is portrayed as a hardworking and independent woman, but some feel that her character reinforces the “strong black woman” stereotype. Additionally, Princess Tiana is depicted as living in a poor neighborhood, perpetuating the stereotype that black people are only associated with low-income neighborhoods.
The numbers of black Disney princesses
Currently, there are only two black Disney princesses:
| Movie Title | Name of Princess | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| The Princess and the Frog | Tiana | 2009 |
| Raya and the Last Dragon | Raya | 2021 |
While Raya is not a technically a princess, she is a lead female character in a Disney movie and will likely be considered a “Disney Princess” in the future.
What we can learn from the controversies around Disney’s depiction of black princesses
While progress has been made with the creation of Tiana and Raya, it is important to continue advocating for more diverse representation in media. The controversies surrounding Disney’s portrayal of black princesses highlight the need to do better and to ensure that all races are accurately represented and depicted onscreen.
When it comes to representation, there is always room for growth and improvement. By holding companies accountable and creating more diverse media, we can help to promote inclusivity and equality in all aspects of life.
Tiana’s Influence on Diversity and Representation in Disney Movies
When Tiana was introduced as Disney’s first black princess in 2009, it was considered a big step forward for diversity and representation in Disney movies. But how many black Disney princesses are there, including Tiana?
- Tiana – The Princess and the Frog (2009)
- Princess Atta – A Bug’s Life (1998) (voice by Julia Louis-Dreyfus)
- Princess Kida – Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) (voice by Cree Summer)
- Princess Shuri – Black Panther (2018) (portrayed by Letitia Wright)
- Princess Tiana – The Princess and the Frog (2009) (voiced by Anika Noni Rose)
- Princess Jasmine – Aladdin (1992) (voiced by Linda Larkin)
- Esmeralda – The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) (voiced by Demi Moore)
So, including Tiana, there are a total of seven black or biracial princesses in Disney movies.
But it is not just the numbers that make Tiana’s character so important for diversity and representation.
As an African American woman who had a dream of running her own business, Tiana broke the traditional mold of the Disney princess. She was not a damsel in distress waiting for a prince to save her. Instead, she was a hardworking woman who was fighting for her own independence. This made her a powerful role model for young girls of color.
Additionally, the film’s setting in New Orleans introduced a rich African American culture to Disney’s audience and shed light on the history and struggles of the black community in the United States. Disney was able to showcase a part of America that was rarely seen in mainstream media.
| Positive Aspects | Negative Aspects |
|---|---|
| Introduced a diverse and strong black female character | Criticism towards Tiana’s Latina lab partner, who was seen as a caricature of Hispanic culture |
| Showcased New Orleans’ African American culture and history | The fact that Tiana spends a majority of the film as a frog has been interpreted as a commentary on the idea that black women need to be transformed to be accepted in mainstream society |
| Provided a positive representation of African American families, with Tiana’s strong bond with her father serving as a highlight | Some critics argue that despite being a strong and independent character, Tiana still adhered to traditional gender roles and did not challenge enough the status quo |
All in all, Tiana’s influence on diversity and representation in Disney movies cannot be understated. While there is still a long way to go, the introduction of strong, diverse characters like Tiana show that Disney is willing to listen and make changes. Let’s hope that in the future, we will see even more representation and diversity in Disney’s movies.
The Making of The Princess and the Frog: Challenges and Triumphs
The Princess and the Frog was a groundbreaking film in many ways, including introducing Disney’s first black princess, Tiana. However, the road to bringing this film to life was not without its challenges and triumphs.
- The original concept for the film did not include a black princess at all. Instead, the main character was a chambermaid named Maddy who worked for a white family in New Orleans. This idea was met with backlash and criticism from both the black community and Disney executives.
- Disney then hired Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry to consult on the film and ensure that the portrayal of black culture was accurate and respectful. This decision was praised by many and helped to earn back trust from the black community.
- Another challenge was deciding on the perfect voice for Tiana. Many actresses auditioned, but ultimately, the role went to Anika Noni Rose, who fit the character both in terms of voice and personality.
One of the biggest triumphs of The Princess and the Frog was its success at the box office. Despite initial concerns about its storyline and lack of marketing, the film grossed over $267 million worldwide, proving that audiences were ready for a black princess and a diverse cast of characters. Additionally, the film was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature.
To further celebrate the film’s impact, Disney introduced a new line of merchandise featuring Tiana and other black princesses, including Moana and Jasmine. This move towards diversity and representation was an important step for the entertainment industry as a whole, helping to pave the way for more diverse storytelling in the future.
| Black Disney Princesses | Film/Show | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Snow White | Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs | 1937 |
| Cinderella | Cinderella | 1950 |
| Aurora | Sleeping Beauty | 1959 |
| Ariel | The Little Mermaid | 1989 |
| Jasmine | Aladdin | 1992 |
| Pocahontas | Pocahontas | 1995 |
| Tiana | The Princess and the Frog | 2009 |
| Moana | Moana | 2016 |
The Princess and the Frog was not only a triumph for Disney, but for the black community as well. It opened doors for more representation and diversity in animation and will always have a special place in the hearts of many.
Merchandise and Marketing Strategies for Disney’s Black Princesses
Disney’s first black princess, Princess Tiana from the 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog,” was a groundbreaking addition to the Disney princess franchise. However, in the years since her debut, Disney has only added two more black princesses to their lineup, bringing the total to three.
- Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog”
- Princess Elena from the television series “Elena of Avalor”
- Princess Kiera from the upcoming film “Encanto”
Compared to the 13 white Disney princesses, the representation of black princesses is lacking. This minimal representation may impact the amount of merchandise and marketing strategies available for these characters.
Despite the limited number of black princesses, Disney has been making efforts to incorporate both Princess Tiana and Princess Elena into their merchandise and marketing strategies. Both princesses can be found on various Disney merchandise and are included in Disney World’s “Fantasyland,” where visitors can meet and take pictures with the princesses.
| Merchandise Examples | Marketing Strategies Examples |
|---|---|
| Princess Tiana dolls, clothes, jewelry, and plush toys | Princess Tiana included in Disney World meet-and-greet opportunities and featured on Disney Channel commercials for merchandise |
| Princess Elena dolls, costumes, books, and accessories | Princess Elena included in the Disney World stage show “Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine” |
Disney has shown a commitment to increasing representation and diversity, as seen in their recent movies such as “Moana” and “Coco.” It is possible that we may see more black princesses added to Disney’s lineup in the future, which would increase the representation of black princesses and potentially lead to even more merchandise and marketing strategies for these characters.
Future prospects for black Disney princesses and diversity in Disney movies
Disney movies have provided magical experiences for people of all ages around the world. From Snow White to Frozen, each movie has featured unique characters and stunning visuals that have entertained and captivated audiences. The inclusion of diverse characters has slowly but surely become a priority for Disney, and the same goes for black Disney princesses.
Currently, there are only two black Disney princesses – Tiana from The Princess and the Frog and Princess Elena from the Disney Junior series Elena of Avalor. However, fans are eager to see more representation and diversity in Disney movies.
- Moana, the titular character from the 2016 film, was not a black princess but her Pacific Islander heritage was a step towards diversity.
- This year, Disney will introduce Raya, the Southeast Asian warrior princess in the upcoming movie Raya and the Last Dragon.
- Some have also speculated that the upcoming movie Encanto, which is set in Colombia, may have a black princess.
It is important for Disney to continue to feature diverse characters, including black Disney princesses, in their movies. This not only reflects the changing world we live in, but it also allows children from all backgrounds to see themselves represented on the big screen.
Disney has taken steps towards diversity in recent years, but they still have a long way to go. According to a study by USC Annenberg, only 5.7% of speaking characters in Disney movies from 2007 to 2018 were black. Furthermore, there still hasn’t been a black prince or male lead in a Disney movie. It’s crucial for Disney to take steps towards making their movies more inclusive.
| Year | Movie | Black Character(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1940 | Dumbo | Jim Crow |
| 1946 | Song of the South | Uncle Remus, Br’er Rabbit, and other characters portrayed by black actors |
| 2009 | The Princess and the Frog | Tiana (black Disney princess) |
| 2016 | Zootopia | Assistant Mayor Bellwether (villainous character voiced by Jenny Slate, a white actress) |
| 2016 | Moana | Moana (Pacific Islander protagonist) |
| 2016-present | Elena of Avalor | Princess Elena (Hispanic-American Disney princess) |
| 2021 | Raya and the Last Dragon | Raya (Southeast Asian protagonist) |
In conclusion, the future prospects for black Disney princesses and diversity in Disney movies are looking brighter. With upcoming movies like Raya and the Last Dragon and Encanto, it’s clear that Disney is taking steps towards more diverse representation. However, there is still a long way to go and it’s important for Disney to continue to prioritize diversity and inclusivity in their movies.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Many Black Disney Princesses Are There
1. How many black Disney princesses are there?
As of now, there have been only two black Disney princesses. They are Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog” and Princess Elena from “Elena of Avalor.”
2. Who was the first black Disney princess?
The first black Disney princess was Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.” She made her debut in 2009.
3. Will there be more black Disney princesses in the future?
It’s possible. Disney has been making an effort to promote diversity and inclusivity in their movies and shows, so there may be more black Disney princesses in the future.
4. Are there any Disney princesses who are biracial or multiracial?
Yes, there are several Disney princesses who are biracial or multiracial, such as Moana (Polynesian and Hawaiian), Pocahontas (Native American and English), and Mulan (Chinese).
5. Are there any other Disney characters who are black or of African descent?
Yes, there are several other Disney characters who are black or of African descent, such as Mufasa and Simba from “The Lion King,” Princess Kida from “Atlantis: The Lost Empire,” and Dr. Facilier from “The Princess and the Frog.”
6. Why is having black Disney princesses important?
Having black Disney princesses is important because representation matters. It’s crucial for children of color to see themselves reflected in the media they consume, and having diverse representation can help combat negative stereotypes and promote positive self-image.
7. How can I support black Disney princesses and diversity in media?
You can support black Disney princesses and diversity in media by consuming and promoting media that showcases diverse characters and stories. You can also support creators of color by purchasing and sharing their work.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to read about how many black Disney princesses there are. It’s important to remember the significance of representation and diversity in media, and to continue supporting and advocating for more diverse representation. Make sure to check back for more updates and information in the future!