Singer-actor Halle Bailey's role in the upcoming The Little Mermaid has been met with both excitement and criticism.
While the criticism is mainly fueled by backward-thinking racists taking issue with with a fictional character being cast by a Black woman, the excitement is felt by many more, especially young people of color who feel represented by such a powerful character in a well-loved and known film.
One such person inspired by Bailey is a Delta pilot who wrote a heartfelt thank-you note to the actor.
Bailey shared the note on Twitter with the caption:
"This amazing pilot on the plane gave me this beautiful note today."
The note reads:
"Miss Bailey, It is an honor to have you on board today."
"Thank you for being an inspiration to little brown girls all over the world like we were a few years ago."
It was signed by Jess O., a "young Latina female Delta pilot."
\u201cthis amazing pilot on the plane gave me this beautiful note today \ud83d\ude22\u2665\ufe0f\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
Delta Airlines replied:
"You're giving so many little girls wings."
"Thank you for letting us be a part of your world."
\u201c@HalleBailey You\u2019re giving so many little girls wings. Thank you for letting us be part of your world \ud83e\udef6\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
Many others responded in agreement with the pilot, some even sharing their own experiences influenced by Bailey.
\u201c@HalleBailey My 6 year old asked for locs because of you \ud83d\ude0d\ud83e\udd70\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
\u201c@HalleBailey\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
\u201c@HalleBailey As a Delta employee, I too thank you!! Our motto at Delta is \u201cKeep Climbing\u201d and you are doing that so beautifully \u201cKeep climbing Ms. Bailey\u201d we all are proud of you!!! \ud83d\udc4f\ud83c\udffe\ud83d\udc4f\ud83c\udffe\ud83d\udc4f\ud83c\udffe\u2764\ufe0f\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
\u201c@HalleBailey Wow, and my compliments to both of you, Ms. Bailey (you have always been one of my favorite actors) and your Delta pilot. So sweet of her to write that note of appreciation to you! \ud83d\ude42\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
\u201c@HalleBailey This is so awesome! Better than any award! It\u2019s personal and heart felt! There are still good people in the world! You go Halle we see you\ud83d\udc95\ud83d\udc95\ud83d\udc95\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
\u201c@HalleBailey you really are amazing girl. you carry class and eloquence for young black/brown girls all around. we are routing for you\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
\u201c@HalleBailey You Are SSOO INSPIRATIONAL And Influential And Everyone Loves And Supports You #TheLittlESTMermaid\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
\u201c@HalleBailey pls \ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d\ud83d\ude2d you deserve all the love you're getting!!! \ud83e\udd7a\u201d— Halle (@Halle) 1667785921
You can see Bailey as Ariel in The Little Mermaid on May 26, 2023 in theaters.
las vegas casino GIF by Warner Archive 
Summer Bbq GIF 
New York Ny GIF by HBO 
Valentines Day Love GIF by Pepephone 
hailee steinfeld shakespeare GIF 
@southpark/Instagram 
South Park/Facebook
@SouthPark/X
@artcandee/Bluesky