Gabrielle Union made some waves this week on “The Angie Martinez Show”, Power 105.1 FM in New York promoting “Being Mary Jane”. She expressed her disgust over the under casting of black women on television and film. Black women are reduced to less classy, “shucking and jiving and Cooning” roles.

People close to Union say there is so much more to her she could offer. After working together on “Top Five”, comedian Chris Rock spoke highly of Union.

“People don’t realize that Gab Union is one of the funniest people out there…she’s like ‘Tiny Fey funny,’” Chris Rock said. “With the right parts she could do something big, and turn around and play Rosa Parks.”

How come you can find Gabrielle Union in a smart, edgy comedic role?

She seems to have the smarts, talent and charisma necessary to pull off a role like this. These roles are typically awarded to other white actresses.

How come you can find Gabrielle Union in a smart, edgy comedic role? She seems to have the smarts, talent and charisma necessary to pull off a role like this. These roles are typically awarded to other white actresses.

“They want us shucking and jivin’ and cooning, that’s where they’re most comfortable having a black woman.”

“…..So to get a role like Tina Fey, smart, edgy, more cerebral humor… no, they’re going to get Tiny Fey. They’re going to get Amy Poehler, they going to get Rashida Jones…that crew. So I just got to get invited to Judd Apatow’s house, and I feel like once I get in there, hopefully I’ll make myself at home.”

SOUND OFF: Do you think Gabrielle has a point about black women being forced into shucking and jiving and cooning roles?

Source: Indie Wire