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So we’ve come to the end of another busy year, a lot happened, and we’re ready to ring in 2018.
Black women have broke barriers forever, and despite efforts to go against the making of these strides, this year was no exception. This year has been challenging, but black women continued to make history and news worldwide. As a way to recognise and celebrate their brilliance, we’re counting down 9 of the most inspiring black woman moments that created big waves in a huge way in 2017.
1) Lena Waithe earned an Emmy, making history
2017 saw a black woman win an Emmy for comedy writing, this is the first time ever. Lena Waithe made history when she won an Emm as a co-writer for the “Thanksgiving” episode of Netflix’s Master of None with series co-creator and star, Aziz Ansari. The acclaimed episode models Waithe’s own journey of coming out as a lesbian. A pivotal episode in the series and one that should be witnessed for it’s power alone.
2) Viola Davis became the first black actor to win a “triple crown of acting”
In the world of acting, a triple crown of acting consists of an Oscar, a Tony and an Emmy. Viola Davis has all three of these prestigious awards. This makes her the first black actor to earn them. Winning the Best Supporting Actress in Fences at the 2017 Oscars saw her achieve this honour. Her performance in TV’s How To Get Away With Murder won her an Emmy in 2015 and her two Tonys for King Hedley II in 2001 and Fences in 2010 are her other 2 big accolades.
Whoopi Goldberg also has an Emmy, an Oscar and a Tony (she also has a Grammy – which makes an ‘EGOT’ winner), however, neither her Emmy nor her Tony were won for acting.
Viola Davis became the 23rd person in history to receive this honor.
3) Olympic Fencer Ibtihaj Muhammad launched her own Barbie (Hijab Included!)
Ibtihaj Muhammad became the first American to compete in the Olympic games while wearing a hijab. The Olympic fencer now has her very own “Shero” Barbie doll. The doll is set to be released in 2018.
“I’m proud to know that little girls everywhere can now play with a Barbie who chooses to wear hijab! This is a childhood dream come true,” Muhammad said.
The Shero line, launched in 2015, includes dolls based on prominent and successful women, also included in the range are actress Zendaya, model Ashley Graham, ballerina Misty Copeland, director Ava Duvernay and Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas. CNN reports that there will be tall, petite and curvy versions of the doll.
4) Sloan Stephens won the U.S. Open
Sloan Stephens emerged as a top star in tennis when she snatched the U.S. Open title. A true comeback kid, she was the lowest-ranked player to win the women’s title at the U.S Open in the Open era, which started in 1968.
“One day I’m going to, like, be able to show my kids that I won the U.S. Open,” Stephens said with the trophy next to her. “Like how many people can say that? Not many, and they already engraved my name on the locker. Like, hello. This is awesome.”
It makes sense considering that the world’s greatest tennis player is a black woman. Passing that torch to another magical black woman would be phenomenal.
5) Rihanna saw stellar success with the launch of Fenty Beauty
For years, black women have been asking beauty brands to include us, and Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty — which debuted in September with 40 shades of foundation along with highlighters, concealers, lip gloss and makeup tools — did just that. The brand earned more than $72 million in media value in one month and has since expanded. She has the makeup world shook. Rightfully so.
Black women have been asking to be included in beauty brands for years, and Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty did just that. The line debuted in September with 40 shades of foundation along with highlighters, lip gloss, makeup tools and concealers. The brand earned more than $72 million in media value in just one month and has since expanded. Rihanna certainly has the makeup world shook up.
6) Beyonce announced that she was having twins
Back in February, Beyonce made the huge announcement that she and husband Jay-Z were expecting twins, this news ahd the world flocking to the photo (posted on Instagram) even making it the most liked picture of 2017. So far, 11.3 million people joined in the excitement. Sir and Rumi Carter are now in the world, we’re all waiting for a full family photo including big sister Blue Ivy. Come on Queen Bey!
7) Tarana Burke’s #MeToo movement landed her as Time’s Person of the Year
Tarana Burke established the #MeToo movement in 1997, it was reintroduced into the mainstream in 2017 when actress Alyssa Milano sparked a chain reaction. The group of men and women that latched onto the movement became known as the “Silence Breakers.” Those silence breakers were all voted TIME Magazine’s Person of the Yeat 2017. Tarana Burke’s role in the #MeToo movement even landed the Harlem-based activist the great honour of dropping the Waterford Crystal ball in Times Square on New Year’s Eve. It’s only right that a trailblazing black woman leads us into 2018.
8) Girl’s Trip saw huge success at the US Box Office
Girl’s Trip became the first comedy of 2017 to reach the $100 million mark at the US Box Office. It was also the only film that was written, produced, directed and starred black people to reach this accolade. People soon realised that when given the resources, black women can deliver above and beyond expectations. A film all about black women having fun and living their best lives can prove to be a hit. Eat your heart out Bridesmaids.
9) Tiffany Haddish became the first black comedienne to host SNL
The aforementioned success of Girl’s Trip ensured that history was made again when it helped give Tiffany Haddish’s career an incredible boost. With her comedic skills now established, she earned herself a historic spot on Saturday Night Live, becoming the first black female comedian to host the long-running show.
Black women have done so much this year alone, here’s to so much more in 2018!