Since Black History Month was last month, and we are currently in the midst of International Women’s Month, it is important that we highlight black women who are killing even when the odds have been put against them
Shonda Rhimes:
Shonda Rhimes started her career as an intern with Debra Martin and worked with Denzel Washingston’s production company. In 2005, Grey’s Anatomy premiered on television and has since become TV’s most successful, long-running show on television. Rhimes has also enabled other black artists receive fame with her works; for example three of her shows have a black actress as the leading role. These shows include Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder and Still Star-Crossed. According to Refinery 29, in 2017, Rhimes signed a $150 million contract that would tear her apart from television home for almost a decade. The African-American producer has made a name for her Hollywood, therefore proving to the world that African-American producers can make television for everyone.
Maxine Waters
Congresswoman Maxine Waters began her career a little different than most people in politics. During her time as an assistant teacher at a Head Start program she became the voice of the Head Start parents. Waters’ efforts enabled the Head Start parents to lobby for Head Start programs specifically for their community. From there Waters became an active member in local government which would eventually lead her to successfully run for a seat in Congress. In recent years, Waters has received a lot of attention from the younger generations because of her brutal response to the lack of leadership abilities President Trump has displayed. Maxine Waters has proven to be one of the most important women in politics today because she consistently works for minorities who do not have a voice in government.
Allyson Felix
Allyson Felix, an olympic gold medalist, started her track career during her freshman year of high school. Felix won her first Olympic medal at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. She has continued to compete at each Olympic Game since her 2004 debut. Felix’s six gold medals and three silver medals has made her the most decorated woman in U.S. track and field history. In 2018, Felix began to want a family, however, she was not aware this decision would lead to a massive amount of controversy with the athletic company, Nike. Despite Felix’s accomplishments, Nike wanted to pay her 70 percent less than before. After Felix came out about her ill-treatment from the athletic brand, Nike committed themselves to changing its maternity policy. Allyson Felix is an example of a black woman who is constantly making the world a better place for other black women and women overall.
Marsai Martin
Even though Marsai Martin is only 15 years old, she has proven to be a prime example of black girl magic. She began her acting career as the role of Diane Johnson on ABC comedy series Black-ish. In 2019, Marsai starred and executive produced Universal Pictures film Little. This made Martin the youngest ever executive producer. Even though Martin’s career has just begun, the talented actress has already made a name for herself in Hollywood.