Black History Month, observed each February, is a month in which Black accomplishments, heritage, and contributions are commemorated. Disney Channel highlighted Black History Month with That's So Raven by addressing racism and celebrating Black culture.
How That’s So Raven exposed workplace racism in the episode "True Colors"
Raven Baxter in the show That’s So Raven has always been able to glimpse the future, but in the episode “True Colors,” she also was able to see the harsh reality of discrimination — making it one of the series’ best moments for teaching and exploring Disney's longstanding commitment to diversity.
Entertainment Weekly wrote an article on Raven-Symoné reflecting on the most memorable episodes of That’s So Raven, which includes the episode “True Colors.”
Raven-Symoné relates “True Colors” to a personal experience where she was accused of shoplifting when shopping with her mom, and she understood it was due to their race. She addresses how crucial that moment was for Raven Baxter to have on TV, making a strong point to young viewers then.
In “True Colors,” Raven experiences a vision of how she was not hired to work at a clothing store called “Sassy’s” because in her vision she saw the hiring manager state how she "does not hire Black people," which upsets her since she and her white friend Chelsea both applied for the job, and Chelsea ended up getting it.
Raven, with the help of Chelsea and their friend Eddie, unveils the idelogies of the racist manager with the help of a news reporter. Meanwhile, Raven’s younger brother named Corey is not looking forward to his school project he has to do on Black History Month.
“True Colors” aired on Disney Channel on Feb. 4, 2005 during Black History Month. This month aims to honor significant individuals and events in the history of the African diaspora. That’s So Raven is a series about a rising teenage fashion designer named Raven who lives in San Francisco, and experiences psychic visions of the future. That’s So Raven aired from 2003-2007.
The spin-off series to That’s So Raven called Raven’s Home lasted from 2017-2023, and with Variety reporting that Raven-Symoné signed a multi-year overall agreement with Disney Branded Television, with a pilot order for a Raven's Home spinoff series called Alice in the Palace, viewers will continue to see the life of Raven Baxter through multiple lenses.
With Black History Month currently taking place, I decided to rewatch “True Colors.” Here is a breakdown to what I was able to grasp from the theme and its message to this episode.
"True Colors" highlights everyday racism
Raven’s vision of the hiring manager stating she does not hire Black people exposes a subtle but real example of workplace discrimination. This episode discusses how the episode handles this in a way that is easier for a younger audience through its clever use of disguises.
Raven is best known for the disguises she uses in the series through the visions she receives. In this episode, Raven disguised herself as the new general manager of Sassy’s, and through this disguise viewers are able to see that this discrimination can happen to anyone.
Corey’s Black History Month project & its relevance
Corey’s project focuses on a Black historical figure, showing the importance of learning about Black contributions. In the episode, Corey is unenthusiastic about his assignment. His storyline complements Raven’s by emphasizing why Black history should be valued beyond just one month.
Corey's father tells him how African American history was not taught and acknowledged when he was in school and he has to learn to appreciate it. In the episode, Corey falls asleep on his desk from his work, and then he dreams up that in his dream famous icons in Black history visit him in his dream, such as Frederick Douglass, Madame C.J. Walker, Althea Gibson, Jesse Owens, and other known icons in Black history.
The role of allyship and advocacy
In this episode, Raven does not just accept the discrimination — she speaks out about it. Her friends and family support her, showing the importance of standing against racism. When Raven discusses the vision she has with her parents, her mother tells her how nobody should be discriminated against and to take action.
Without proof, Raven decides to drop this situation and states how she is only one person and she cannot change the world. Her father responded to Raven by saying if Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. had the same attitude, they would still be sitting in the back of the bus. Her friends were allies to Raven by getting the local news reporter to write the story, and with her friends playing along with the disguise to expose the hiring manager's racism.
All in all, "True Colors" is a lesson that discusses history and humanity through an African-American lens. As DEI initiatives for Disney Channel continued to be challenged, it is important to understand that despite this episode airing in the 2000’s, “True Colors” remains relevant today.
As Disney shows continued to be rebooted such as the Wizards of Waverly Place reboot of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place and the growing number of Disney+ subscribers, it is important to pay attention to the themes and lessons Disney viewers can learn.
You can find all these Disney episodes and more on Disney+.