ON APRIL 13, 1964, Sidney Poitier walked down the aisle of the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium amongst a sea of white faces.

During this period, the United States was in the midst of turbulent times fueled by continued racial injustice across the country.

The nation was still grieving the loss of civil rights proponent and former president John F. Kennedy; the infamous March on Washington led by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was still fresh on people’s minds; and overarching legislation promising equal treatment to all Americans had yet to be passed. It felt as though America was at a standstill.

​But as he stood at the podium of the 36th annual Oscars ceremony,  Poitier sent a message — one of grace and poise — to those in the crowd and to individuals around the world. As the first Black man to be awarded the Best Actor Academy Award, Poitier symbolized a glisten of hope.

However, there was something even greater that came out of this moment: a tangible example for millions of young Black men and women of what they could become.

While this moment sent waves across the community, it wouldn’t be until decades later that I would feel the ripples of Poitier’s seismic influence. In 2016, I was working on obtaining my undergraduate degree in performing arts film tv & stage at Buckinghamshire New University.

As an aspiring Black actor, I was hit hard by the conversations surrounding representation in the media at the time. Backed by this interest, I situated the topic as the focus of my dissertation work.

As part of my research, I delved into the impact created by Black representation on screen. Before long, a simple university research task evolved into a journey of discovery that sent me down a number of rabbit holes. One of those led me to the work of Sidney Pointier.

Poitier’s films were different.

Throughout my career, from my time back in university to several years later now, my personal experiences in the industry have been plagued by stereotypes. While the roles for performers who look like me are expanding — albeit gradually — it still feels as though it is impossible to escape the box that I have been placed in as a Black man. Typecasting is at the core of these issues.

When I walk into an audition room it can often feel as though I am not a vessel for creative expression and individuality, but rather a character bound by preconceived notions regarding my identity.

Poitier’s work, however, allowed me to paint a different picture of what I could aspire to be. In films such as “To Sir, With Love”, Poitier proved that Black characters could be varied; that they could be dynamic and powerful. Whereas much of Black representation on the big screen at the time was shrouded in racist undertones and anti-Black imagery, Poitier had the courage to elevate himself above these setbacks.

When I watched these films, a feeling washed over me that I had not experienced up until that point. I saw myself in Poitier and was able to situate my own outlooks and perspectives on the world in the context of the stories that he brought to life. It was empowering to see someone who could become a symbol of success, defiance, and dignity in spite of the enormous barriers that he was faced with.

This inspiration deriving from his influence began to play a part in every aspect of my life. There have been countless times throughout my progression as an actor that I have felt at a loss. As an individual, I have faced my own obstacles and walls of adversity that have sometimes held me back. However, whenever I have felt myself drifting off into these negative spaces, I am able to stand on these giants like Poitier and realign myself with my purpose.

While there has been progress, the world today is still quite reminiscent of the world that Poitier faced years ago. The UK and the industry at large has strides to make before we are able to enjoy artistic expression that is not held back by judgment or prejudice.

But it is the doors that have been opened by courageous talents such as Poitier, (real pioneers)  that continue to push us forward. He made it possible for someone like me to find my place as an actor. I will continue to strive to be excellent in life and to set a legacy that will continue to inspire as he has.

Ricardo P. Lloyd is a British actor. You can find him on Twitter @RicardoPLloyd