As Black History Month comes to a close, we are reflecting on the Black trailblazers who paved the way for creators today. Over 50 years ago, in the early 1970’s, two Black performers first appeared on film, Desiree West and Johnnie Keyes. These are the earliest Black creators on record. Their cultural influence would develop into legacies.
The 1970’s were a time of high racial tension. Richard Nixon was in office and despite advancements in civil rights, the socio-economic conditions of many African American people were still in dire need of change. There was an opportunity to make money in porn, and some of those people who were looking for better economic conditions found their way into the adult industry. Decades later, this still holds true as new performers and creators step into the scene.
Today we are highlighting the trailblazers of the past and present who opened the door for change, and as a result, helped shape the industry we have today.
Desiree West
Desiree West was the adult industry’s first Black star on record. She debuted in the industry in 1973 and was known to have an undeniable screen presence from the start. Her acting skills and character development set her apart. She flawlessly interjected personality and nuance into her roles and was adored by her fans.
During her time, she appeared in more than 50 films and several magazines, the most notable of which was Tapestry of Passion, who she starred in with industry pioneer, John Holmes, in 1976, and X-World in 1978.
Despite her natural talents, she never quite succeeded to the heights of her white peers due to racial biases of the era. But her legacy lives on, long after her retirement from the industry in 1980. In 1997, her contributions were honored when she was inducted into XRCO Hall of Fame.
Desiree paved the way for viewers to embrace Black female sexuality, and today we are remembering her as the trailblazing icon she is.
Jeannie Pepper
Entering the industry in 1982, two years after Desiree West’s retirement, Jeannie Pepper began starring in films, filling a gap in Black representation in porn. She appeared in more than 200 adult films, and even transitioned to more mainstream content later in her career, including a role in a major motion picture and a guest appearance in Tupac Shakur’s music video for the song, How Do U Want It?
Jeannie wanted to show the world that she was Black, beautiful, and proud of it. She fearlessly embodied Black female sexuality and spoke freely about it in interviews.
In 1997, Jeannie was inducted into the AVN Hall of Fame and was the first Black woman to receive that honor. Additionally, she was awarded an XRCO Award in 1987 and was inducted into the XRCO and UrbanX Halls of Fame in 2008.
Sinnamon Love
Moving into the 1990’s, Sinnamon Love made her first appearance in the industry. Her cultural impact was only beginning. In addition to performing, she would go on to direct several films, many of which would receive award nominations and put her into the spotlight.
More than an actress and director, Sinnamon also appeared on several TV shows, including The Jerry Springer Show and The Tyra Banks Show. She appeared on the cover of a hip hop and pornography magazine alongside rapper Redman.
Sinnamon Love is also an activist, who started the BIPOC Adult Industry Collective to fight systemic racism and disparate wages in sex work. The Collective was formed with the belief that marginalized communities must be included at the table in all discussions when making decisions to repair the harm caused against impacted communities. They are an organization offering resources, education, and support services to help fight racism in the adult entertainment industry.
Sinnamon was inducted in the Urban X Hall of Fame in 2009 and the AVN Hall of Fame in 2011. In 2023, she won an UrbanX Award for Most Popular Sex Educator.
Johnnie Keyes
Alongside Desiree West, Johnnie Keyes also first came onto the scene in the early 1970’s. In 1972, he starred in the iconic film Behind the Green Door, alongside Marilyn Chambers, which received widespread release in The United States. It is considered to be among the first feature-length hardcore films to show an interracial sex scene.
A born performer, Johnnie held many hobbies. In addition to porn, he also starred in musicals and theatre, was a boxer, and a singer. He studied at both The School for Theatrical Arts and Julliard in New York. He was friends with several popular Black entertainers of the day, including Miles Davis, Sun Ra, Jimi Hendrix, and more.
Johnnie had a rich life and career and was inducted into several Halls of Fame, including AVN, UrbanX, and XRCO. He passed away in 2018 and we remember him for his contributions and his legacy in porn.
Gene Lamar
Gene Lamar was a trailblazer in his own way, as the first Black man to appear on record in gay porn. During a time of racism and homophobia, Gene was a beacon of bravery and hope for gay Black men. He was known in his films for being a vers; topping and bottoming in equal measure. By 1994, he had starred in over 50 films. He was also a father, a singer, and a model for print magazines and runway shows.
Gene remained active in gay porn until around 2003. There is little known about his current whereabouts, but he will always be remembered for his iconic work during the VHS era, starring in films such as: Black Heat, Cream And Coffee 5, Hot Chocolate, Hung And Dangerous, and many more.
Lisa Lawrence
Lisa Lawrence was a Black Trans woman and adult film star. She appeared alongside Sylvia Booth and other Black Trans women in the 1999 film, Lisa Lawrence's Birthday Bang, which she also wrote and directed.
During her active years, she appeared in more than 50 films, helping to put Trans Femme sexuality into the spotlight and inspire a new generation of content.
Lisa Lawrence was a huge inspiration for our Brand Ambassador, Natassia Dreams, and was one of the reasons Natassia entered the adult industry. When we asked her about Lisa’s influence, she said, “When I started my transition, there were very few, if any, Black Trans women representation in adult media. After so many times being called the resemblance of Lisa Lawrence, I looked her up and was honored. Then I had the chance to meet her, and it was a full-circle moment. She is sweet and kind and gave me so much inspiration to keep representing us Black Trans women in the industry. I love you, Lisa; without you, there would be no Natassia or others who would follow. I give my respect where respect is due.”
These are only a few examples of the Black creators that paved the way for many today. Some were never fully credited for their work on record, but many are remembered for their achievements and their legacy, either in our collective memories or in the Halls of Fame they were inducted into. We remember, we reflect, and we thank you all for your contributions to the industry.
Comments