Halle Bailey , Tracey Powell , and Tiana lead the Disney Dreamers Parade . © DISNEY
Although Bailey focused on the positive aspects of her career during her appearances , she allowed herself to be more vulnerable with the students during the Commencement Ceremony on the last day of the Disney Dreamers Academy . Specifically , she addressed the negativity and criticism she faced in 2019 when Disney first announced that she was cast as Ariel .
Bailey recounted how she and her sister would “ rewatch The Little Mermaid movie over and over again ” and that every time they went swimming , they would pretend to be mermaids .
“ At the time , I didn ’ t know it , but Ariel ’ s dreams were my dreams , too . She had a sense of longing . She was searching for herself and wanted to explore the world outside her little corner of the ocean . Seeing Ariel risk it all to find herself and discover the universe beyond inspired me to dream for the world beyond . And that is why I understand that you have to see it in someone or something else before you can believe that you can do something big and special and magical yourself .”
Though starting to tear up , Bailey continued , “ So when I see little Brown and Black girls and boys — and indeed everyone — so excited for our live-action adaptation , I cry every time , because I think back about those two little girls swimming in the pool in Atlanta , Georgia , and starting to believe in something big .
“ When I landed the role of Ariel , I was happy , shocked , excited — a host of feelings . What came next was I assumed everyone else in the world would feel what I was feeling . And arguably , looking back , there
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And in the end , the loudest voice in your head should be yours and those of the people who love and respect you .”
were probably a lot more people rooting for me than against me , but the naysayers , those who were negative , were loud . Very loud . And for the first time in my life , there was negativity targeted deliberately toward me because I looked different than the original character .”
Bailey admitted to the Dreamers she had days when it felt like no one wanted her to win , but she shared how she coped with those feelings of doubt and anxiety .
“‘ Who are you ?’ I asked myself . Whether someone is supportive or not , do you know who you are ? Did I accept this role for all good things ? Do I see it as a blessing ? Did Rob Marshall , the film ’ s director , make the right decision in casting me , in making a historic casting for an iconic role ? And all the answers were yes . And those ‘ yeses ’ started drowning out all the ‘ nos ’ that were trying to shake me . And in the end , the loudest voice in your head should be yours and those of the people who love and respect you . Simple , but effective .”
Before leaving the stage , Bailey thanked the Dreamers for including her in the life-changing weekend . Based on their applause , the 100 Disney Dreamers were just as grateful for Bailey — for her mentoring , her message of perseverance and optimism through anxiety and doubts , and her encouragement to follow their dreams .