Breaking ground as a black women in any field is difficult and the Hollywood entertainment industry is no different. Opportunities for lead or supporting roles for black actresses are few and far between. So when three black female actresses win in major categories in one night, its a real big deal and one that we should celebrate and take notice of. Congratulations to the following ladies:
Viola Davis–Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for “How to Get Away With Murder”
Uzo Aduba–Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for “Orange Is the New Black”
Regina King–Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie for “American Crime”
Black Sisterhood
Viola Davis’ win was of particular importance because it made her the first black winner of Outstanding Lead Actor or Actress category. In her acceptance speech, Viola Davis made it clear that her win wasn’t just about her. She stated “The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for a role that isn’t there.”
Also in another act of black sisterhood she thanked other black actresses and black directors for the opportunity “to be beautiful, to be sexy, to be a leading woman, to be black.” Furthermore, she acknowlegeded other black actresses by saying “to the Taraji P Hensons and Kerry Washington’s, the Halle Berrys, the Nicole Berries, the Meagon Goods, to Gabrielle Union, Thank you for taking us over that line.” Watch her moving speech below:
