Disney presents first black princess

WASHINGTON, April 18 (UPI) -- Disney's anointing of its first black princess, Tiana, is a milestone with an important message, say some U.S. culture experts.

"If this figure takes off, you're looking at 30 or 40 years of repetition and resonance," said Tricia Rose, who teaches popular culture and African American studies at Brown University.

"The Princess and the Frog," set for release in November will star Tiana as a beautiful black princess from New Orleans. Tiana is the first Disney princess in more than a decade and the first ever to be black, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

Tiana's appearance comes with Michelle Obama's emergence as the nation's first lady and the Obama girls -- Sasha and Malia -- living what for many girls seems to be a fairy tale life in the White House, the Post reported.

In the movie, Tiana conveys this message: balance is important in life and women need both love and a career -- not just a prince -- to find happiness, said Cori Murray, entertainment director for Essence magazine.

"She's the first modern American (Disney) princess, and that she's black sends a huge message," Murray said.