Traditionally, the Emmy Awards isn’t one of the ‘poster’ events for diversity. In fact, many people of color recognize that if they do sit down to watch the show, it’s unlikely they will see many faces that look like them.
It’s a shame that in 2015, 67 years since the award show began, blacks and other minorities have become accustomed to and quite frankly, accepted the lack of multicultural representation. Or, they simply don’t watch because they don’t care.
In a sense, we’ve learned to expect either the “regulars” or the “hottest” people of color at the moment. Quite frankly, one could count on a single hand the blacks who are staples you can usually expect to make an appearance. Do you ever watch and ask yourself, “what happened to (so-and-so) after having such a big year… last year?”
Despite the fact the Emmys has a long way to go in terms of diversity, 2015 might just stand out as one of the brightest nights for African Americans, particularly black women. While we may not have appeared in droves, one thing is for sure. The power of the simple presence of a handful of faces, coupled with their successes on this night, made for a proud moment shared among all. It is one that not only benefits blacks, but all people. On one hand, our talent is exposed, recognized, and revered. On the other, it revolutionizes the definition of Hollywood and inspires those of other races to respect what we have to offer.
This is quite significant given the current state of black womens’ role in the Entertainment industry. We have more than enough reality stars, singers without music but plenty of selfies, and so-called internet actresses/models. So many desperately put themselves on blast and engage in awful antics to get “likes and shares”. It teaches others to view us as what we represent ourselves to be– trash. We all know what happens to garbage– it gets dismissed and thrown out.
What a refreshing reminder that the most powerful black women in Hollywood haven’t stooped to the level of superficial ignorance that so many others foolishly think will help them achieve anything other Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram fame. Talent is not the only that makes women like Viola, Regina, Taraji and Uzo as well as others successful. They preserve their authenticity, integrity, originality and flat-out realness.
The lesson of it all: If you’re good at what you do, you can be authentically yourself and still win in the long run.
Take a look at 4 amazing moments from the 2015 Emmys that remind us of the true definition of #BlackGirlsRock:
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