Viola Davis has made history at the Emmy Awards Sunday night. Winning her award for best actress in a drama for “How To Get Away With Murder”. This is the first time that an African American has received an award in the category.

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As Davis overwhelmed and with teary eyes walked onto stage to receive her award, Taraji P. Henson fierce fully embraced her in a tight hug congratulating her. They both were nominees in the same category. Viola, who was born in South Carolina but raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island. Experiencing poverty and racism she learned to believe in herself despite the odds that were against her. Although, her parents were not educated they believed in education. At an early age, Davis had made up her mind that becoming an actress was something she wanted to do.

Her love for acting has landed her many roles throughout her career in many films and TV Sitcoms. She has played many roles on the big screen appearing in “The Substance of Fire”, “Out of Sight” “The Shrink Is In, Marvins Room” and “Traffic” to name a few. Though on both big and small screens she is quite impressive, it is truly on stage where her talents shine the brighest.

Upon receiving her award it was her speech that brought on a standing ovation from the entire audience. She went on to thank other actresses of color such as her fellow nominee Taraji P. Henson of ‘Empire’, the star of ‘Scandal’ Kerry Washington, and Halle Berry stating “Thank You For Taking Us Over That Line”

“Let me tell you something, the only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity. You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there”

-Viola Davis