From Betty White to Johnny Cash, these celebrities supported Black Americans and minorities when doing so could damage careers and spark backlash.

Gambler Nathan Detroit (Frank Sinatra) has few options for the location of his big craps game. Needing $1,000 to pay a garage owner to host the game, Nathan bets Sky Masterson (Marlon Brando) that Sky cannot get virtuous Sarah Brown (Jean Simmons) out on...