Viola Davis’ Emmy Speech Does Black America Proud

Sunday night, American actress Viola Davis (pictured) made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for “Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series” for her role as “Annalise Keating” in “How To Get Away with Murder.” A day later, while many continue to celebrate her win, it is Davis’ acceptance speech that has taken the crown.

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Up against actresses Taraji P. Henson for “Empire,” Robin Wright for “House of Cards,” Tatiana Maslany for “Orphan Black,” Elizabeth Moss for “Mad Men,” and Claire Danes for “Homeland,” Davis came out on top, hugging fellow Black actress Henson before she made her way to the stage.

Once the celebratory claps died down, Davis quoted abolitionist and humanitarian Harriet

Tubman (pictured) who will forever be remembered for her courageous excursions in to America’s Black Belt region at least 13 times to rescue both family and friends from the clutches and oppression of slavery.

Using her platform to remember this icon and underscore the dearth of roles for African-American women, Davis said, “In my dreams, I see a line. Over that line, I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me over that line, but I can’t seem to get there no how, I can’t seem to get over that line.

“The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity,” Davis continued, calling out to Henson and actress Kerry Washington, who were tearing up in the audience. “You cannot win an Emmy for roles that simply are not there.”

Watch Viola Davis’ acceptance speech here:

Her speech set Black Hollywood and other top luminaries on fire, with Oprah, Valerie Jarrett, Octavia Spencer, Gabrielle Union, Shonda Rhimes, and more tweeting about her remarks:

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