She Reigns

Eartha Kitt was born in North, South Carolina on January 17, 1927. At 16, she joined a dance group that toured worldwide. Kitt was a multi-talented star. She started her singing career in the 1950s with her feature hit, “Santa Baby,” which still gets airplay today. Also in 1950, Kitt made her debut as an actress in Fraust. Kitt was also known for her role as Catwoman in the 1960s show Batman.

Kitt was not only a singer, performer, and actor but also an activist.

Eartha Kitt established the Kittsville Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to help underprivileged youth. In 1968 Kitt took a brave chance and voiced her concerns about the Vietnam War at a White House luncheon hosted by Lady Bird Johnson; as a consequence of her speaking out, Eartha was blacklisted in the acting scene in the united states. Kitt was also a Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom member and supported LGBTQ+ rights (Eartha Kitt 2025).

She Inspires

The first time I encountered Eartha Kitt’s remarkable performance was during my childhood, watching her portray Lady Eloise in the beloved film Boomerang. Her presence was commanding, and how she called out “Marcus” has become a memorable reference within Black culture. Kitt truly embodied the character, exemplifying class and sophistication.

Later, in 1995, I saw her in “Living Single” as Jacqueline Richards, another character of high status who set her sights on Kyle, undeterred by their age difference. Ms. Richards was wealthy and confident, expecting nothing less than to achieve her desires. However, Kyle, a man of principles, gracefully turned her down. Witnessing Kitt’s portrayal of strong, high-class characters in both roles resonated with me. I remember my excitement as a child, expressing my admiration for her talent.

In 2000, Eartha Kitt brought joy and laughter to audiences by voicing the character Yzma in the animated film The Emperor’s New Groove. Yzma, a high-class and sophisticated villain seeking power, pairs humorously with her sidekick Kronk. Kitt’s performance elevates the film from simply being funny to genuinely hilarious. Her portrayal of Yzma is essential, as it enhances the film’s humor, making it a delight to watch, even for adults.

She’s Uncompromisable

On December 25, 2008, Kitt left the physical world, but her works and words are still with us. Six years ago, while listening to Mahlia’s album Love and Compromise, I heard Kitt’s voice saying, “Compromise for what, compromise for who, compromise?” Kitt’s tone and her laugh made me find the original interview. Kitt was talking directly to me in that two-minute and 59-second interview.

Growing up, the concept of “comprehensive” relationships frequently echoed around me, often heard through the walls of my room or in direct conversations as an adult. It became clear that comprehension is essential for any healthy relationship. However, I often found myself grappling with the question of compromise: how much is too much? Can individuals compromise their true selves to the point of forgetting their foundational beliefs? Conversely, does an unwillingness to compromise, stemming from a strong sense of self and personal truths, render someone incapable of being loved?

In a brief yet impactful clip, Kitt addresses the notion of compromise with remarkable confidence and humor. Her perspective prompted me to reflect on my own experiences of compromising to the extent that I lost sight of my desires in various types of relationships—romantic, platonic, or familial. Listening to her challenge the idea of compromise inspired me to think about what I am willing to sacrifice and consider whether those sacrifices are worth altering my identity, particularly when I recognize my value as good company.

Two women of grace, two Earthas come to mind: Eartha, my grandmother, whom I am blessed to have in my life, and Eartha Kitt, who has graced this world with her presence out loud, never compromising and has inspired so many women, including myself.

References:

Eartha Kitt | Biography, Songs, Catwoman, & Facts | Britannica

Encyclopædia Britannica, inc. (2025, January 13). Eartha Kitt. Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eartha-Kitt

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