V
iola Davis will always have a place in the heart of Black Hollywood. The iconic actress and producer has graced our screens for decades, captivating us with her raw talent and powerful performances. From her early days in theater to her groundbreaking roles in film and television, Davis has become a true icon, blazing trails for black women in Hollywood and beyond.
But Davis is more than just an actress. She’s a force to reckon with, and her impact on the entertainment industry and society cannot be overstated. We need more Black women like Viola Davis who not only showcase their immense talent but also drop the ladder for younger Black creatives to climb up to success.
These seven reasons are why we love the beauty that is Viola Davis…
#1. Davis embodies black representation
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Throughout history, white men have dominated Hollywood. Black women have often been excluded from leading roles and other positions of power in the industry. Having more Black women like Viola Davis in Hollywood provides representation for underrepresented groups, particularly Black women who have been marginalized in the industry. This representation can be important for young Black women looking for role models and inspiration in the entertainment industry.
#2. She is a trailblazer
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Davis is a powerful and inspiring figure, particularly for Black women. Being the only African-American to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting, she has paved the way for many black female performers. She is also the first black actress to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, and the first black person to win five Screen Actors Guild Awards. How inspiring! But that’s not all. Davis is the first black actress to have received four Academy Award nominations; the eighteenth person to reach the EGOT status.
#3. The star is a philanthropist
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Davis is also known for her philanthropic work. She donates funds to a public library in Central Falls, Rhode Island. She also donated to Center Falls High School, her Alma mater. Other than that, the actress has also donated to hunger eradication programs in the United States of America. Davis said she reflected on her childhood and how she had to find what to eat in garbage cans. To her, no child deserves to go to bed hungry, thus, she has used her finances and influence to curb child hunger in society.
#4. Davis is a social justice advocate
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Viola Davis’ experience as a Black woman in Hollywood highlights the intersectionality of oppression and discrimination. She continues to oppose Black violence, using her influence and platform to stand against any form of social injustice and police brutality targeted toward the African-American community. In cases like Ralph Yarl‘s (and most marginalized folks, including non-black victims), she never hesitates to lend her voice to the worthy cause of advocacy.
The “How to Get Away With Murder” star is also a prominent supporter of gender equality and continues to support causes and organizations that help and heal survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Also, her social media is an inspiring trip. From feel-good posts to non-stop support, her content exudes wholeness without restriction.
#5. She’s uber-talented
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Davis is an unshakable and well-respected force in Hollywood. No cap. The talented actress has been recognized for her work with numerous awards — from an Academy Award to a Grammy, an Emmy, a Tony, Oscar, an Obie… too many to count. Plus, she has been named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the world by Time.
Having more Black women like her in the entertainment industry can help bring attention to the talent and skills of Black women in the industry. This can break stereotypes and promote diverse and nuanced portrayals of Black women in film and television.
#6. The actress is an inspiration
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If there’s anything Davis does effortlessly, it’s promoting black excellence. Having come from a poor background and underprivileged community, her success story has been a source of inspiration for many people, particularly Black women who may face unique challenges and obstacles in pursuing their dreams.
By sharing her story and advocating for important issues, she creates hope and possibility for young Black women looking to make their mark in the entertainment industry. This can create a more diverse and inclusive industry that is representative of all voices and perspectives.
#7. She puts the spotlight on Black women
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Viola Davis’ success and visibility often bring attention to important issues facing Black women, such as racism, sexism, and discrimination. As stated previously, the star is famous for using her social media pages to celebrate and encourage black women to excel in various fields. On her Instagram, there are posts of her celebrating athletes, entertainers, educators, and women and girls from all spheres of life who are taking strides toward success.
We need more Black women like Viola Davis in the industry who promote Black excellence and gender equality, both on and off-screen. This would break stereotypes and encourage understanding across different cultures and communities.
Featured image: Corina Marie Mazzi for TheWrap via @violadavis/Instagram
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