Soul Train Dancer Sharon Hill Explains How She Overcame Colorism |Soul Train Awards '21

[@melissawood5936]

I’m so glad my mom got the opportunity to tell her story and speak about something she LOVES. She is a beautiful person inside and out and YES she can still dance just like she could back then. I love this !!!

[@inishametcalf7840]

Sharon is your Mother? Wow! I enjoyed her interview! One of the best ones. God bless.

[@fjenkins5494]

Nice to meet you!! Your mom was always sweet, respectable & beautiful YEARS AGO...and remains so today. I know you're proud of your mom.

[@Stromboli916]

Your mom MADE my Saturday mornings tell her thanks!!

[@melissawood5936]

@@fjenkins5494 VERY proud of her. Thank you 😊

[@melissawood5936]

@@Stromboli916 Nice!! I love hearing that and she will too ❤️

[@GlobalAfrican]

I can’t believe she didn’t think she was beautiful. As a kid watching her on Soul Train I thought she was beautiful and still is.

[@wintersantiago2274]

Colorism is real

[@leslieg.9213]

I know, right?

[@moniquewright8201]

Absolutely, my sister and I watched Soul Train faithfully every Saturday! Always thought Sharon was one if not prettiest dancer on Soul Train, she and Tyrone were the best couple ever. They danced so good together me and my sister always thought they went together as boyfriend and girlfriend. She was gorgeous back then and has aged gracefully now. Much love to you girl!!!!!

[@swagsurfin7736]

This just absolutely blows my mind. She is incredibly STUNNING!!!!!

[@mariamoncadabeldenvillagedash]

Me too. I remember her and always thought she was the prettiest one. She still is gorgeous.

[@J329-s4h]

No matter what era of Soul Train you grew up on, it should be mandatory to watch the interviews of the dancers who started it all. Sharon paved the way for generations. RIP to Tyrone “The Bone” Proctor.

[@bonnies7805]

The movie was good too

[@gunterkeegan670]

@@bonnies7805 wait, there was a movie?

[@jamilajohnson7460]

This woman is so beautiful, to see her tear up over ignorance breaks my heart. Black women, you are beautiful and deserve the best no matter what society says.

[@cleopatrabonz]

Well, if Black men would stop dating so many white women than more Black women would feel cherished but I guess its that slave mentally that they can never let go.

[@moonraker30]

She just seems so good natured, those mean kids could probably see that and spit on her, it wasn't about her, they didn't even like themselves, the human race has always been a hot mess since Adam and Eve ate fruit from the tree of knowledge

[@Laura-sg6ss]

It isn't Ignorance. Ignorance is when u don't know. PEOPLE KNEW. People know. Then and now. People are willing to accept anti-blackness and BE ANTI BLK. There are no excuses for colourism.

[@AllCelebritiesSite]

I also tears up when heard she said. I wasnt cute or pretty but able attract many handsome guys when grow up. Because they like my simple character

[@i.i1215]

@@Laura-sg6ss black men put black women down the most nowadays

[@marvinandjosh1]

As a dark-skinned woman, I can sadly understand her tears. It wasn't until later in life that I shook that negative way of thinking about my complexion. Now, I wouldn't want to be ANY other complexion than what I am because I love my chocolate skin.

[@umarbentley4953]

You are fearfully and wonderfully made.No matter what the complexion you are never a mistake.

[@cleopatrabonz]

I totally agree, dark skin holds up later in life than light skin, I have two light skin cousins that look much older than me and my sister., so I get it..

[@erickanew]

I guess i was fortunate in my household some us came out light, some dark. My parents never mentioned light/dark complexions etc, I remember my grandma mentioned complexion & my mom cut contact. My parents just shielded us from the dark vs light thing so I never knew there was a difference between blacks until late high school.

[@sarahrichardson6883]

A great story, great attitude , not caught up in the hype. Jeremiah 29:11&13

[@nana8135]

YES MF MA'AM

[@lisablakely6747]

Sharon is my cousin. Her mother and my grandmother are sisters. We watched her every Saturday. She paved the way for us. Made us believe that we could do whatever we wanted. ❤️❤️💙

[@bbutler7158]

Wow! She's beautiful 🤩🤩

[@umarbentley4953]

@@bbutler7158 Totally in and out.

[@michaiahmonson6951]

@Lisa Blakely You're blessed to have such a tremendous, triumphant, trailblazer in your bloodline. I fell in love with Ms. Sharon just from her interview. She reminds me of my late mother's sweet spirit and mild mannerism. Blessings to your family. 🙏🏾

[@jmin8400]

I actually see some of the resemblance! Your hairdo is probably part of that lol.

[@dalehoward3704]

SAD. I'm light skinned and went through the same exact thing. I wish people would except love ALL of us in our beautiful shades♥️♥️♥️♥️ I'm glad she's happy with a great long lasting marriage👍👍👍

[@monstermcboo7282]

“I always thought I wasn’t cute.” Man, that hits. She was so beautiful and had no idea. And it still hurts her. And she is still gorgeous! This world. 😭

[@indiemusicpress4091]

Amen, God is good!

[@GETOSUPASTAR]

Colorism in our community is a fucking cancer. Bad enough when others do it to us, but it's even worst when we do it to each other. The pain in her voice 50 years later is heartbreaking. You are beautiful Miss. Sharon. Thank you for paving the way for us all!❤

[@MythmasterFunky]

@UCysT-s_8QHdNdaKk2lDnIQQ Get the fuck over it!!

[@tomjones3629]

Something tells me the ones who spit on her wasn't black. Plus people are allowed to pick who they want and attracted to

[@GETOSUPASTAR]

@@tomjones3629 you clearly don't know what colorism is then... & no shit, but completely missed the point of what she was saying! 🙄

[@tomjones3629]

@@GETOSUPASTAR no I'm well aware what colorism is. I didn't miss anything she said. Bluntly speaking the only ones whining about and making weak remarks are darker blacks. Lightskinned blacks don't sit in groups and complain about different hued blacks

[@BabyGurlnJP]

@@lashid4u371 I had a similar thought. I think Soul Train lost some of its "soul" when they allowed non-black people dance on the show.

[@FlygirlJesi]

I was attending college at UCLA when Soul Train had invited us college students to come on the show to dance for a couple of weekends. At the end I continued dancing on Soul Train and that's when I met Sharon. She was so sweet and nice. She took me under her wing and I started hanging out with her and some of the other dancers. Sharon was so talented and that smile lit up every room she walked in. She was always so uplifting and encouraging to everyone. When she started to dance for major acts like the "Rolling Stones" I was so happy and proud of her and she remained humbled. I also remember she got a brand new car from one of her dancing jobs but she didn't know how to drive and folks would drive her everywhere ...lol. Watching the emotional part of this video about her believing she was unattractive because of her blackness was so surprising to me because she was beautiful inside and out. That fact was and is still is evident to everyone. But I'm so happy to see that as she's matured she's embraced her beauty. I loved watching this piece of history and her narration just added so many layers. I have such fond memories of her and my short time dancing on Soul Train....❤

[@JohnDavis-uc1ic]

White kids spit on her. That hurt.

[@candiwood1758]

Love you DeSheila, Sharon Hill-Wood😘🦋

[@FlygirlJesi]

@@JohnDavis-uc1ic Absolutely abhorrent right? Especially for someone so freaking nice and sweet.

[@FlygirlJesi]

@@candiwood1758 Love you too

[@Laura-sg6ss]

She shouldn't have had to mature to embrace it, the world shouldn't have been antiblack and that's the saddest thing about it all. Because the onus is put on the people being hurt not those hurting people. So so ridiculous, right?🥺

[@sassyintrovert]

Two week vacation turned into a permanent spot on SOUL TRAIN and a marriage to a musician. Not bad at ALL ❤

[@kendallrhodes]

I can't believe that she thought she was lesser to anyone. This woman is drop dead gorgeous and always has been.

[@riveraspen2745]

You obviously haven't learned about racism? It was built on the ideals that we were lesser than . Please stop being ignorant

[@kendallrhodes]

@@riveraspen2745 if you watched the entire video and wasn't commenting on BS then you would know Sharon thought she was lesser. All I was saying is that with her beauty she could never be lesser to anyone no matter the context. Next time read the intent behind the comment before you posted some BS, especially trippin with me.

[@HeavenlyLovely03]

Secret trans

[@mariej.richard5114]

Fine as wine with her green eyes that comes from slavery white supremacy bullshit I hate that she is fine

[@JohnDavis-uc1ic]

Me either. I have mixed emotions about this. She led a very fortunitious life after leaving Texas. Yet people are projecting their insecurities.

[@tracythomas7553]

It's a shame that a woman this pretty ever thought that her skin color was unattractive. Sharon Hill was gorgeous then; she's gorgeous now. We've got to stop letting this society/culture define "beauty" for us.

[@fayeforbes792]

Amen we are amazingly made from Head to toe we are unique and the haters know it But yes it's a shame when we use colorisim against one another

[@aminamuhammad4578]

Black is beautiful your melanin is shining thru

[@kdooley41]

Amen sis

[@jomorris2707]

people get it so wrong. I am light skinned and always admire our chocolate sisters. I have never thought I was prettier or better than anyone on this earth. got carmel babies because I married a chocolate man. didn't want my kids to through the b.s. sad that society does this. sharon you are beautiful girl

[@kfreckle5453]

Blacks who grew up in her era were made to feel as if they are inferior based on their skin colour. That is what misled her into thinking that her skin colour wasn't attractive.

[@patriciawatkins9539]

I'm a 64 year old Hispanic woman who faithfully watched Soul Train every Saturday. I had 3 rules when Soul Train was on. 1. Do not call my house asking for me I will not come to the phone 2. Do not invite me to go shopping. 3. Television was off limits to other family members. Soul Train to me and my friends epitomized what "cool" really meant. Sharon was our favorite dancer and we all wanted to be her. And it wasn't just because she was a great dancer but it was her attitude and personality. How she carried herself. What we saw back then was a beautiful confident woman. Still do. The fashion was to die for. I still remember going to one of my high school dances wearing a floral top knotted in the middle, cuffed jeans, striped socks and platform sandals. Just know Sharon that you and the other Soul Train dancers touched many hearts and influenced a lot of lives and you're right the music back then was amazing. May God bless you and your family always. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@l.y.670]

Dido Patricia!

[@christiebussey1285]

Yes, the fashion influence was definitely unprecedented. Me and my then boyfriend would mimic the fashion and we dressed alike most of the time; and with my love for sewing, I created our outfits. We got married in the mid 70's!! I believe Soul Train also brought couples closer.

[@michaiahmonson6951]

@@christiebussey1285 You making the clothes for your then-boyfriend turned husband to dress alike is iconic. I'm totally loving it. 🤗

[@michaiahmonson6951]

@Patricia Watkins The "Soul Train Rules" is classic! ❤

[@SandysWorld64]

On point, Sista Queen....I'm from Birmingham UK and when Soul Train was on TV our living room became our disco, furniture pushed back ready for the high kicks and getting down with me and my 5 sisters...we wanted to be dancers like them and infact I actually became a dancer for a few years until my 1st child came along. Those were the days when dancing 💃🏾 🎶🕺🎵 was proper. BRING BACK THE 70s I say!!! 🙏🏽💜

[@TheSunshinefee]

I feel her pain. No one deserves to be spit on just because you are dark skinned black woman. Imagine how hard that must have been for her in that time

[@tammyc259]

Love my girl Sharon! Like you, as a dark-skinned female I've had my share of nasty experiences with colorism too. But watching Soul Train and all of those Afro Sheen commercials as a teen in the 70's helped me to cherish my Nubian complexion , full lips, almond-shaped eyes and natural hair. You still are just as gorgeous as ever!

[@vmwilliams9198]

She is so pretty. Her skin is so smooth, and she gleams. You can't really tell how old she is. It's so shameful how the older generation was made to feel their black embodiment wasn't amazing. When James Brown said I'm black and I'm proud, it was truly an anthem and affirmation.

[@sandraespino1572]

Yep I'm 61 I can still hear that Soul Train coming on.

[@sherrybelle4776]

" SAY IT LOUD!!...I'M BLACK AND I'M PROUD!!

[@JohnDavis-uc1ic]

Self loathing obviously.

[@Rhythm973]

She was and is still SO beautiful, stunning even. Shoutout to the legend Patricia Davis who knew at first sight this beauty needed to be on television; and she just so happened to be a dope dancer. There are no chance encounters

[@bunniefinley5840]

Nice 😊 story 👌🏽 👏🏾 👍🏼 😀

[@mariastewart8810]

IKR and Pat is still with us and we need to hear her Soul Train story.

[@patriciadavis5939]

Her personality is beautiful. And she is beautiful and encouraging to our darker complexed sisters. Thank you Queen.

[@jacquelynwilliams8171]

She is beautiful and was raised right thank you for the memories

[@Chileesgirl]

I’m so glad she spoke her truth. As a darker skinned black woman, I myself have felt like that for many years. But Ms. Hill you are beautiful as I am also. I know that now…

[@stylebykatb.5661]

Out of all of these soul train dancer stories I enjoyed this one the most! What a delightful and beautiful spirit this woman has…beautiful inside and out! I was touched by her expressions about colorism-to think this beautiful woman ever thought she wasn’t pretty is mind blowing! She is so beautiful! So sad Black folks have had to endure negativity about the skin we are in…what an absolute lie we have been fed by society. I always loved the Afro Sheen commercials they did give you a sense of pride. Anyhoo great hearing about her life - who knew she was married to the Lakeside lead singer as well! Wow! Talk about an awesome singer and band! Iconic!

[@nrw7734]

This lovely lady reminds me of Cecily Tyson when she was younger, especially when she smiled. She looks wonderful and happy. I love her story of meeting her husband and making sure his intentions were respectful and he put a ring on it! 😁👍

[@indiald3373]

Mic drop

[@ampmri2434]

I agree her smile is so beautiful, her smile reminds of Cecily Tyson and Nia Long.

[@cooper482011]

I can see the resemblance of her and Cecile Tyson too

[@fjenkins5494]

This was BEST of all the interviews I've heard. Sharon really gave substance and meaning to these interviews about dancing on Soul Train. Her personal insight about a variety of aspects during that original 70's era made it super special and worth time! You're still the beautiful person you always were, Sharon during all those fun cover stories on RIGHT ON! Magazine when I introduced you all to an anxious, awaiting public! Loved your story. Love you!

[@falanajerido875]

You was on soul train too God bless you

[@EnlightenedGoldenBeauty]

Yes this was the best. So happy for her. She’s such a beautiful soul. No wonder God blessed her. She overcame her struggles, and has a husband who chose to love her even till this day! 🙌🏽

[@clutchinmypearls6490]

YESSSS, I felt proud again. Sharon sure could boogie!!!!

[@deb8911]

I love her story! “The way god works…I was supposed to be here for 2 weeks!” 🤣😂 so beautiful Sharon.

[@marshajohnson375]

That was the best Soul Train story. I've listen to other former Soul Train dancers stories, but that was the BEST ONE. THANK YOU Sharon for sharing and dancing.

[@ParisDavisDean]

Can't believe my story sounds like this. I told my ex who is now my husband the same thing. I was approached by some lady to dance on Soul Train after graduating from HU and the Artist was Eric Ben'et, new on the scene. It was an awesome experience. The skin color thing is still deep and I had to get educated about it. I was a mess when I was younger, so glad I found myself. I don't let what's going on in somebody else’s mind control how I feel anymore. I pray for those who are mentally disturbed by what people still do back in the day. I understand. I feel this women on every level. She is truly beautiful. ☺️

[@Chyyyyyyyyyyy]

This is such a beautiful and NEEDED interview.. she made me cry.. Sharon thank you for being vulnerable and open enough to share your experiences because it bothers me so much that my beautiful dark skinned sistas get a lot of the treatment that she is describing here.. so much colorism exists in the black community we get enough hate from outside so it’s sad that it exists within our communities also. Much love and healing to all the queens who can identify with her experiences. You are absolutely BEAUTIFUL as you are!!!!!!!

[@falanajerido875]

Amen

[@michaiahmonson6951]

@Chy So I wasn't the only one that cried from the pain Ms. Sharon experienced from stigma of colorism. This queen is my newfound shero. I'm inspired by her purpose in the midst of her pain and her victory in her vulnerability. Moreover, your comments are so eloquently stated. Thank you for your enlightenment, Chy. Many blessings to you.

[@ari333]

Oh, this was absolutely beautiful!

[@janiceharley9051]

Yes you are! Jehovah does not make ugly people Inner beauty is beyond words Just simply beautiful gorgeous graceful I could go on ! I feel like you are a friend and I don't even know you! Positive Sharon,.Janice Harley

[@biancagerman9808]

❤ 💙 💜 💖 💗

[@hunnyghold1507]

I remember her! AND I remember thinking that she was Sooo BEAUTIFUL. To hear her say that she didn't like the way she LOOKED, because of some racist white kids or colorists who preferred light-skinned girls, is Tragic. I Loved watching her and Tyrone dance (even though I never knew any of their names)! Sharon Hill, you were and are BEAUTIFUL, and Thank You for the SOUL ❤️

[@nitah9649]

Oh my, I didn't want this episode to end, beautiful story.

[@aprilturner7800]

Me either I watched it twice. And about to save it to watch again. 🥰

[@FreshCreativeFrog25]

Gorgeous!!! Just absolutely gorgeous. What a beautiful era. I'm a Chinese Canadian born in 1999 and I just discovered Soul Train this year: it's changed my life!!!!!! Seeing all those beautiful black people, really, just *so beautiful* with their afros, their clothes, the way they move... they are so gorgeous and their joy makes me feel joy in being myself too. I've seen Sharon and Tyrone dance so many times and every time I just say "wow... I wanna be like them." I wanna be like them!!! Even if I could never dance as great as them. Sharon, you inspire me! Everything she says at 3:26, I believe her completely! In my eyes, a young person today, everything was so gorgeous in the 70's... clothes, hair, MUSIC... everything she said, wow, what a dream to be in the midst of it, living through it all. If time travel ever exists, I know exactly when and where I'm headed!!! I can't believe how different the world is today, which is very sad, but... God bless those Soul Train dancers like Sharon and Tyrone. God bless them and God bless the 1970's! So much joy and positivity, never anything like it, still inspiring people and burning people joy. Thank you Sharon!

[@mansamusa2012]

Glad you love our culture! During the late seventies and eighties there was an Asian woman dancer ! I think she was even in a Rick James video called super freak

[@byrowinner1378]

I'd like to thank the producer of this video. You captured her every word and emotion with lovely colors and "into the night" performances. Bring us back. Performer.

[@tarynrondo350]

The 70’s was the BEST!!! The clothes the music the love and respect we had for each other. Just priceless 🥰.

[@ms.d24]

When she talked about colorism. I wanted to cry. It is sad that we still are struggling with colorism now in the black community and throughout all communities .

[@carlsimmons9687]

That was a beautiful story. Not only did she get to live her dream, but she also gained a husband and a family. I enjoyed watching her interview and listening to 70s music.

[@msrochellef6983]

This interview made me smile. I remember getting up EVERY Saturday to watch Soooooul Trainnn.... being a dark skinned girl, Sharon was always my favorite dancer... she was (and still is) so cute and her and Tyrone's dance routines were fun. And thank God for Don Cornelius for giving us a piece of history!

[@GODFavorsBrendaHisJOY]

I see why she was invited, such a nice vibe and she's still lovely....I bet she was even prettier in her younger days, I went through that exact "I'm darker so I am not wanted" thing, "hugs Sharon. I understand" and I TOTALLY agree with you, the 70's were 🔥🔥🔥!

[@Copasyetic]

I'm so glad she got to express herself. I'm brown, my mom is very light skinned. I remember people asking me what happened to me cuz I was darker. Colorism has got to stop.#darksistersmstter

[@Kim-Berly200]

Right! My mom is light and I’m dark. People would say the same thing to me. Most of my family is dark. My grandfather use to call me black snake because I was so thin and all she did was laugh😆

[@brianmorris2847]

Any black person who hates black skin is a white supremacist

[@Ina-ne4wt]

I am not sure why the older generation put that burden on us. My mother was very light skin, I am medium and my son is very dark. When I gave birth to him, my mother’s first words were “why is he so dark”. Well, I put a stop to it immediately. I told her not to ever say anything negative about my son’s colour. He is beautiful! From get go, I did not allow my light skin family to even think of saying or doing anything negative to my son. Twenty six years later, he is a confident, handsome dark chocolate. We need to stop.

[@symonelopez-mondy8946]

@@Ina-ne4wt I experienced that with my sons features. Even though me and my kids are lighter my son has a bigger nose and my mom, who is dark skin, said why is is nose so big? We don’t have noses like that. But she had personally told me stores of how people talked about her skin tone. But she’ll turns around and call people big nose, big lips or “nappy” headed. I don’t understand why people keep pushing this foolishness. Nothing wrong with African features.

[@Ina-ne4wt]

@@symonelopez-mondy8946 The more European features you have the more attractive and appealing people think you are. I notice in the UK there are adverts with dark skinned, African looking women. I am so happy to see this. I have also noticed a lot of very dark handsome models, modelling well known brands. I think things are changing, albeit very slowly. My son has been approached for modelling a few times. But he loves his career, so nothing happening there.

[@UniquelyTB]

I grew up in the 70's. Colorism was real and sad and painful. Still is...Love your story Ms. Hill. You're stunningly beautiful.

[@mansamusa2012]

At the height of the black pride movement! Sad 😔

[@mansamusa2012]

I caught hell in the eighties

[@streetinscotland1225]

She is stunning. Loved the chemistry she had with Tyrone. Much love to her for sharing her story 💙

[@FreedomofSpeech865]

She is gorgeous

[@kimwise8016]

YyeeesszzZZ

[@sassyintrovert]

She was ABSOLUTELY gorgeous THEN and NOW! Just wish the network would've paid them for their contribution to the show.

[@jamaliam6]

This is far and away my favorite “I was a Soul Train Dancer” episode. Sharon, your beautiful spirit radiates through the screen and you are absolutely gorgeous.

[@patriciadavis7444]

GIRL I'M SITTING HERE IN VIENNA AUSTRIA ON LOCK DOWN IN TEARS GOIN DOWN MEMORY LANE WATCHING THIS VIDEO ... WE'VE HAD A WONDERFUL TIME ALL THE TRAVELING ,AND SPECIAL THINGS THAT THE MOST HIGH GOD HAS ALLOWED US TO DO WHILE HE TOOK GREAT CARE OF US ... WHEN I SAW YOU AT THE SKATING RINK I SAW PURE BEAUTY WEARING A BEAUTIFUL SMILE,, AND GLOWING WITH A GREAT GODLY FILLED HEART, I NEVER KNEW THAT THIS SITUATION OF COLOR WAS MOLDED SO DEEP IN YOUR WONDERFUL SOUL,,, SAD HOW OTHERS ENJOY BREAKING SOULS ,,, SOMETIMES SITUATIONS LIKE THIS MAKES US STRONGER .... LOOK AT WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE WORLD TODAY ,,, WE MUST CONTINUE TO PRAY STAY FOCUSED ON THE POWER THAT GOD GAVE US,, LET NO ONE TAKE YOUR POWER IT'S YOUR GIFT ,,,YOU SEE HOW MUCH YOUR GIVING OUT RIGHT NOW, MAY IT CONTINUE... MANY BLESSINGS TO ALLLLLLLL

[@marcodesantiago5273]

Pat Davis~ I'm so grateful that The Lord in Heaven caused the paths of YOU & SHARON HILL to cross. Me being a SOUL TRAIN Dancer to, you both are like my Beloved big sisters. I'm HAPPY that you both are in my life♡

[@jerryrossi9698]

I think it's time The Butterfly does a Soul Train interview; you are truly a Soul Train legend; you must have so many stories!!!!

[@iamthetruth1348]

Well put Patricia💃💃💃

[@TirraOmilade]

I am so touched by this interview. As a 70’s baby, this show imprinted me to love the skin I am in. What a wonderful interview!

[@lokena67]

This was one of the BEST Soul Train dancer interviews. Sharon was an adorable young lady back then and she is so classy and elegant now. When she told her story you could feel her excitement and joy of being a Soul Train dancer. Now beautiful, no way! She is gorgeous inside and out!

[@1NikkiTate]

What an incredible story. Seize the opportunities you are given, and love the skin you're in.

[@Starchild54]

Sharon your story was so beautiful and touching! I was a seventies kid who experienced colorism as well!! I know the pain of the ignorant and hurtful stigmas of being a brown girl. I went to "white" schools and often felt misunderstood...until I turned the TV on on Saturdays..BAM!!!!.....there they were..the beautiful statuesque, shapely, women that resembled me and the women in my family. You were among the women I admired. Sharon, your in the backdrop of my childhood with some of the happiest memories. Bless you & Mark's almost 40 years of Black Love🖤!!!

[@paulasuniverse5029]

Sharon displays such energy and child-like excitement for the Soul Train glory days. 🚂 I’m glad that Galveston, Texas was highlighted and colorism was addressed. Fantastic…one of the BEST Soul Train interviews ever! 💃🕺

[@umarbentley4953]

She's incredibly real and candid.And not to mention she really is a beautiful woman,those who.think otherwise are the brainwashed sheoples.

[@jmin8400]

@@umarbentley4953 Yes, my brother. Houston region is terribly afflicted by colorism, like the Deep South. Elsewhere in Texas is less worse.

[@jmin8400]

Someone in their late 70s, from Jersey I know, grew up the foster daughter of rich "black" professionals in 40s, 50s and early 60s. Father was ambiguous black and mother was light skinned. Mother was also part of the NE black elite, but hated her daughter and so did their relatives, often criticizing her for being "dark" and "undeserving". They never adopted her (despite finding her as a child) and the mother passed her inheritance onto her adopted, light skinned son. This lady is well regarded today, by people of all walks of life and now living in Texas, bristles at the mention of Houston, Galveston, or New Orleans. Why? She says colorism. She lived in suburban Northern Dallas for a good 6 years, before heading further west into the TX metro area that borders NM and MX. She HATES that Gulf region with a passion. I honestly never got it as an 1st generation immigrant, until I looked at Mathew Knowles, Tina Beyince, and Beyonce, and also watched this video.

[@Adgegbe50ag]

@@jmin8400 actually Dallas (North Texas region) was just as bad with racism and colorism if not almost worse. My mom grew up in the 70s and 80s in Dallas and told me brutal stories about the colorism and racism she and my dad experienced when she was in college

[@jmin8400]

@@Adgegbe50ag Wow, really? Aren't you Igbo btw? I admit although I grew up in Texas, I am immigrant and not as immersed in these things. I lived in a predominantly Mexican area, so I didn't see a lot of these things manifest in front of me. Only with Latinos more so. That lady hated Houston in her opinion for that reason, yet her oldest of 4 kids, is a child of a marriage with a man with a Spanish surname and much lighter than her siblings for some reason, plus very arrogant for that too according to her mother... My dad, most of my siblings and grandmothers were born as such, while my mother (60s) and one of my younger sisters (late 20s), were both born a darker shade of brown. Seeing this story, recalls what they went through with colorism. I don't know where I lie in that respect , because some people describe me as light skinned and some don't. I've never really experienced colorism, outside of microaggressions towards me from some folks (being in the sun). Like racism, you are not going to know about it, unless you are in the shoes of those affected by it I guess. I have always felt not at ease in DFW and I never understood why. Mostly due to my impression, it's a little too cowboyish and unfriendly to me in some respects, compared to Houston.

[@berthalewis7910]

This was a time when you were new to a city people embraced you. The Soul Train dancers put their loving arms around you and looked out for you and your best interests. There is a million things that old have gone wrong for a small town girl in Los Angeles and it did not. I saw an interview where someone said they were on Soul Train for 29 years and there are many stories like that, now that is what you call Family.

[@JohnDavis-uc1ic]

Exactly. And people mostly commenting about colorism instead of racism.

[@jacquelinelowery5589]

I watched soul train all through the 70s and Sharon Hill, Patricia Davis, and Domita Jo Freeman were my favorite female dancers. I often wonder what they're doing now. I really enjoyed hearing and seeing Sharon. She is still gorgeous.

[@falanajerido875]

Amen

[@l.w.wallace6904]

Jacqueline girl you are so beautiful 😘

[@jacquelinelowery5589]

@@l.w.wallace6904 thank you!

[@l.w.wallace6904]

@@jacquelinelowery5589 you're so welcome darling

[@SoundBlackRecordings]

She was and is so beautiful. I'm glad to hear her story. It's important.

[@sabrinaphillips916]

What an absolute beautiful story about a beautiful woman. I miss the days - especially the early 70s - when my people were like this. So proud, so good to each other, family units intact and proud of our hair, our culture and our strong communities. Despite what we see today, I believe it’s in the way back. In fact, I know it is.

[@jonsmith848]

This one was touching. During the 70's...I was a young kid with a BIG AFRO in Chicago. Wonderful times

[@branham311]

I miss 1970's SOUL TRAIN... By the time I was really able to enjoy SOUL TRAIN, it was 1980. I nearly spilled water across my laptop when she said she didn't feel as if she was beautiful! She could've been Cicely Tyson's daughter. It's really disgusting what racism and its many tentacles have done and what it continues to do to Black American women. May the Catholic demons who spit on her choke on the same spit during their final moments. This is, by far, THE BEST Soul Train Dancer interview I've ever seen. I could listen to Ms. Hill talk for hours. Someone needs to do a documentary about her life story, from birth to present.

[@alexanderleatherman]

I wish, growing up in the 90s and 2000s we diddent have to go to these underground parties, she's completely right, today's popular music, despite having all these professionals connected, still doesent hold a flame to the hits of that time, and dancing is either hip hop or ballet and there's really no major cultural in between like there was. Regarding those kids, their exactly the worst type. To be so openly vile, I'd almost compare it to the hatefullness of the Nazis, how was it ever acceptable to spit on anyone. I hope karma takes action.

[@tking60610]

Happen to have known two people from San Diego that was dancers on show, the late Emanuel Francois and Robin Hood.

[@darrellpruitt8425]

What a great story. She was beautiful then, and still is. Soul Train forever !!!!!!

[@ovoirv86]

She seems to light up talking about the way the dancers help create the culture! I love learning all these things. But she's BEYOND BEAUTIFUL to this day!🤎

[@LOVE-ff7nt]

I'm from the Caribbean and no matter what I'm doing stops when ever soul train comes on , you're a beautiful woman back then and still is..I love your story

[@sunshinecreole1319]

I enjoyed hearing Ms. Hill story as a soul train dancer. I grew up watching Soul Train every Saturday mornings. Ms. Hill is an inspiration, a wonderful dancer, and a beautiful black queen. I'm happy to hear that she found true love and she is living a happy and prosperous life.

[@magicalnight48]

Omg Ms. Sharon Hill it hurts me to know you've felt that way about yourself. You've always been so beautiful to me. I was one of those who couldn't wait until Saturday to see Soul Train to watch you and Tyrone. Over the years I've looked on the internet trying to find out how you're doing. To me you're a star , a beautiful star . Thank you for doing this interview it's wonderful to know you're still around. I wish they would bring back Soul Train and have you and the rest of the originals kick it off. Take care.

[@patriciarambert9261]

Don't say it as if it's unusual. Many black girls today feel the same thing, thousands if not millions. We never genuinely look at a dark skinned girl with regular features and tell her she is beautiful We perpetrate it upon each other and then act shocked when someone voices it. We choose light skinned over dark skinned everytime, ooh and ahh after mixed babies and then is surprised when a black girl thinks she's ugly and then chastise her for voicing her pain.

[@patriciarambert9261]

Don't say it as if it's unusual. Many black girls today feel the same thing, thousands if not millions. We never genuinely look at a dark skinned girl with regular features and tell her she is beautiful We perpetrate it upon each other and then act shocked when someone voices it. We choose light skinned over dark skinned everytime, ooh and ahh after mixed babies and then is surprised when a black girl thinks she's ugly and then chastise her for voicing her pain.

[@magicalnight48]

@@patriciarambert9261I will say it as I feel it and that goes for anyone who is naturally beautiful the only reason people play those types of mind games on other's is because they are jealous and wish they looked like them. Also please don't use the word we you aren't speaking for me and I personally know countless others who feel the same as I do. This white skin light skin good hair madness needs to end. Those same white skins have always been in the sun trying to get the very skin color they claim is sooo awful. The same with the lips and behind. The times they were calling folks ugly they were in schools trying to invent a way to get the same things. Smh

[@gritzgravy1760]

OMG I love me some Sharon Hill. She and Tyrone The Bone Procter were one of my favorite dance couples

[@mrty8330]

Same here and Sharon’s smile could light up a room.

[@Stromboli916]

The one where she's wearing that hot pink outfit I'll never forget that ☺

[@amychavez7033]

I know Sharon Hill personally and Wow!! What a story, so touching, and personal. Things i never knew about her. Glad she shared her story with everyone in this interview. Sharon is a great person and Beautiful inside and out. What a Beautiful Soul. Much Love Sharon! You touched my heart 💗

[@OldskolFan]

OMG. I love her and Tyrone. They gave great performances. Sharon was so beautiful: beauty comes in all complexions. I’m so sorry for the colorism we dark skinned and medium skinned women go through. Sharon’s skin is smooth and wrinkle free today.

[@vernonhowell4485]

My father was in the Air Force for 28 years. We were stationed in Germany from 1972-1977. I was 10 when we got there(do the math). we only had 1 American TV channel...AFN(Armed Forces Network). Early Saturday mornings Soul Train would come on and I could not wait to watch it!!! I'm exaggerating but I don't remember even blinking the entire show! The music, the beautiful hair, the beautiful bodies, and clothes! I was in Awe! There has never been anything like it before or since! She is so right about the 70s. It was a great time to be alive and young! I loved seeing this video and you are just as beautiful now as back then!

[@steve3ri]

Sharon Hill was one of my all time favorite dancers, and besides, the most beautiful smile. She would light up the room. Glad you made a video to spotlight her.

[@stephaniejones4749]

I am so glad to see first off that Sharon is still alive. I did hear that Tyrone Proctor had passed so may he rest in peace. But it's sad that we unfortunately in our culture have the light skin versus the dark skin I since I was born in the '50s, I grew up in the era of Soul train and it is sad that we dealt with that type of colorism in our culture For me. I don't care what color your skin was You nice to me? I'm nice to you and we are hanging out. May God bless Sharon and all of the Soul train dancers

[@reefreef1866]

I forgot to add, she can dance, the routines were creative, unique, and fun, her robot is flawless! Love ❤ it!

[@deronreed2945]

She was lovely back then! she's lovely now!! you can still see the deep rooted emotions when she talks about being dark skinned

[@igotyourback9175]

She was beautiful then and just as beautiful now. Looking at those clips really made me take in just how beautiful my people NATURALLY and truly are!

[@_Alimm]

What a beautiful story! I was born in the 90's and dreamt of being on Soul Train one day. Too bad it went off air but my mother was such a fan we still have dance parties in our living room to this day to all the classics. I dance like I would be on the show. Love love love. Soul Train means so much to us all 💕

[@karrynlflax5387]

OMG, I loved this interview. I always thought she was so pretty, and could really dance. I loved her hair and clothes, and would watch her every Saturday. My older sisters would wear their hair like her, Pat Davis, and others. And as a brown little girl, the show and the commercials made me feel very special. I felt tearful watching her get tearful talking about the effects of colorism on her spirit, but I hope some day that she overcomes that hurt. And it was great to see how she was blessed with a loving man and family. Also, RIP to Tyrone Proctor. I loved watching him perform too.

[@sjmm4gina]

I have watched a lot of these short movies on Soul Train dancers and I have enjoyed them all. However, this one right here "touched my heart." Thank you Sharon for sharing your "whole story." You were my inspiration back then and even more so now. Congratulations on your long marriage and family. Forever and a day.

[@chulababy2120]

She was beautiful then,and still beautiful now.Her skin is flawless ❤

[@archieburnett2072]

I thank god for you and Tyrone and all those beautiful black people on this show! It was so impactful for me as a young black kid. I too wanted to be that blond haired blue eyed boy because I knew they had it easier and clearly was treated differently. I remember clearly that there really weren't that many positive images and representation for black people on television at that time. We were either the pimps , common criminals, servants or anything non flattering. This show saved my life with out a doubt and set me on my dance career trajectory. I am beyond grateful for ALL of you. Sharon THANK YOU! for every word, every truth. Tyrone LOOOOOVED you dearly. You Jody and Jeffrey were his family. He would talk about you all the time. I felt I was right there with you in this interview reliving those moments with you. I wanted soooo badly to be part of what you all did. Alas I was in New York and my mom would never let me out of her sight lol. Again thank you for showing all of us young black people to be PROUD and UNAPOLOGETICALLY BLACK. You all changed lives. Thank god for you❤️

[@brotherfugue]

Respect for telling your TRUTH, Brother!

[@kevinhanson6106]

@ Archie Burnett Thank you for your honesty; we've ALWAYS had very few role models on TV to mold ourselves after. We were lucky in the 90s with the Cosby show a different world fresh Prince of Bel-Air and a few others I can't remember at this time. We got to see US in a positive and proud image!

[@desireawinton9745]

"D@m I never wanted to be like another? I always was proud of who I was, just wanted to be respected, treated fairly, make enough money to pay my bills and not be stress out cause the rent keeps going up, never coming down ect... Lol...I'm so glad people are educating themselves more and more learning to like themselves and not let selfish people mess with their minds, and the parents that teach and raise their children with respect?

[@mnieves-rios7808]

@Archie Burnett well said!

[@lavernletman6332]

She was and still is absolutely gorgeous

[@1DeLeon]

I felt her pain when she spoke of particular moments of her life. Truly hurt for her. 😥 She was beautiful then and she is even more beautiful now….loved seeing her and yes I wish those days were back. It’s how I started dancing myself as a kid. The music now is digital and not the same as it was. 😥. Yes, God is really good. God bless her. Thank you for this interview and seeing her again. 💜☮️

[@MoonLightOnWater1]

I never knew her name, but Sharon was one of my favorite Soul Train dancers when I was a kid….the ‘70’s was IT!

[@a.spencer-hackett2896]

I remember thinking how BEAUTIFUL she IS as a child in the 70's. I loved watching her dance on Soul Train. When I was about 10yrs old living in L.A (on Corning Ave.; attended Shenandoah Elementary & Louis Pasteur Jr Highschool) the neighbors had something called a "block party"; there was food and fun; some of the Soul Train dancers stopped by and I got to meet her and tell her how pretty she is!! I'm now 58 and I vividly remember it to this day 2021. AND...she is from Galveston, TX just like me. Never knew that!! She found her husband in Los Angeles. I moved back to Texas and found my husband.

[@shawnt797]

Sharon is and has always been beautiful. Always!!

[@msreenie]

Finally, one of my favorites! Always liked how she was so comfortable doing her own thing. I loved the costumes & personalities of that era, but she stood out without that with her confidence and cool precision moves. I'll never forget her and Tyrone winning that American Bandstand contest. They made the other contestants step up their game, but they still couldn't be touched.

[@iamv482]

Yes they did that 🏆🏆🚘🚘.

[@MissJP21]

Love seeing this! She was (and still is) beautiful! I have an aunt who is the darkest of all her sisters and she felt this same way back in the 70s. I always looked up to her because she was bold, hard-working, always spoke her mind, and rebelled a lot, but talking about the colorism and how she felt growing up was the only time I'd ever really seen her vulnerable. This took me to back to that moment. Thank you for sharing!

[@sereion]

Her story was so beautiful and impactful. She was and still is stunning.

[@blacklight3947]

This is beautiful, an extreme reason we need to have more shows geared towards us without others involvement. Where we’re in control. It’s at a point where most of us don’t want to acknowledge our greatness & beautiful melanin.

[@fulanideedee8709]

It's so sad the damage that the black community willfully does to our dark-skinned sisters. She was and STILL IS absolutely beautiful and to hear the pain that she still feels about her complexion is heartbreaking. I hope that she has someone in her life that reminds her every single day that her dark skin is the standard (even if that person is herself) and many wish that they could look as amazing as she looks right now.

[@viddrone]

The "black community" didn't do anything to this beautiful sister. 400 YEARS OF SLAVERY AND OPPRESSION DID! She literally was spit on by white people. If anything it was black people who saved her and gave her the life altering opportunity to feel beautiful and find her soul mate. Some people are so quick to blame the black people for everything but never mention the real reasons for our self hate.

[@siesies000]

Black women have been joining together and creating positive images and promoting the likeness of the dsbw. Things are getting better!

[@JLDReactions]

@@viddrone It's both. Colorism and featurism are most definitely still alive today in the black community. Let's not kid ourselves.

[@talktalk2]

@@JLDReactionsThank you for telling the truth!

[@Laura-sg6ss]

@@JLDReactions indeed

[@itsgreat7150]

I'm a full grown man and watching this woman in her journey through life has made me emotional.

[@Butterfly22797]

She’s so radiant ! Something about this woman and hearing her story brought so much joy to me today ✨

[@bklynk]

My cousin got me watching Soul Train, and she loved Sharon's outfits.

[@BIGRENZO]

BEST INTERVIEW I'VE SEEN... AND I'VE WATCHED THEM ALL SHE REALLY PAINTED A PICTURE AND TOOK US BACK IN TIME VERY AWESOME... DEFINITELY WILL BE WATCHING THIS ONE AGAIN 🙏🏽💪🏽

[@jazzysam9590]

I loved this piece. Sharon was one of my favorite dancers on Soul Train. So interesting my favorite Pat Davis got her to go dance on the show. And my jaw dropped when she said she’s married to Mark Wood of Lakeside. I’m so happy they’re still together because marriages today don’t last long.

[@vababy45]

I grew up watching you dancers and because of all of you, I can dance, sing and overcome things that would normally break people. You made a great difference in my life. All this gangster rap and profanity in music is a description of what's going on in the soul. Disgrace, unethical and enemy funded for our demise.

[@kevinhanson6106]

PREACH!

[@tysonb3568]

The FACT that this BEAUTIFUL woman would EVER question her beauty in ANY period of time is mind boggling.......🥲

[@potatochip4202]

She got me emotional. What a Beauty 🤗

[@vegascece]

Oh my teen years! I was blessed to be able to attend a taping (Jackson 5 was there!) and got to dance back in the 70's as well. I had no idea it was an all day experience and changing outfits in the midst of everyone if you weren't a regular. What a great time and memory I will always cherish. Hail to the afro puffs!!

[@mychannel-zu6tz]

Wow! How long did you dance on Soul Train? I probably got footage of you dancing.

[@lawannalw]

Miss Sharon Hill thank you for this video. I am happy for you and your husband. I have Lakeside's music on my MP3 player and I listen to them while I work out. You and Mr. Proctor were always two of my favorite dancers, and like you I wish that we could go back in time. I was born in 1971 and I grew up watching Soul Train. Your generation is the best in my opinion. I have always adored the clothes and the hair. People were closer back then. Your interview is one of my favorites of the series. I hope that you can let the color disillusion go and embrace your beauty. You are awesome and you were made in God's beautiful image. God bless you. That goes for all of us!

[@falanajerido875]

Amen

[@1DeLeon]

Amen.

[@adriennerobinson1180]

Oh Yes

[@denise76]

She's so beautiful just the way she is, honestly. It's a shame how society has lied to us and "bamboozled" us.

[@californiagirl1579]

Awww sharon you are still beautiful period! God bless you beautiful ❤🙏🏽

[@lynnparise9841]

Sharon, you are just the sweetest, cutest and most talented little thing! I'm so glad to hear such great times you had on that show. Maybe I missed it, but what ever happened to your creative dance partner Tyron? You both together, were a force to be reckoned with!

[@kathywarren937]

Ppl always said you had to be beautiful to dance on Soul Train. She was truly beautiful then & still is! I remember seeing this lady on Soul Train! So much talent & energy! 💘 it!😊

[@timothyfitz1010]

Wow! Sharon Hill is just as beautiful today as she was on Soul Train. You guys didn't know it at the time, but you were icons.

[@certifyme1003xs]

She is very beautiful & she glowed on camera, just a natural, no alteration beauty-luv it. She told that story so amazingly to me.

[@zhisu2665]

I have 0 connection to Soul Train but I am OBSESSED with the interviews and watching the dancers

[@kwmrlee]

Not only you are a beautiful person inside and out but you are a great dancer,

[@HelenHarris-zu1uo]

I love Sharon Hill’s story. She was beautiful in her early years and she’s still beautiful. Always love ❤️ yourself!