10 Empowering Quotes From Black Actresses to Pin to Your Inspiration Board (PHOTOS)
There are some phenomenal women of color in Hollywood right now, which is one of the reasons we're upset about the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. Really, what the heck, Academy? Our culture and the movie industry has evolved so much that it's hard to believe this is happening in 2016.
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In honor of the gorgeous, talented black actresses working in the film industry, we've found some of their most inspirational quotes. These ladies have it right -- be yourself, be kind, see the beauty in everything, and never, ever, let anyone dull your sparkle -- especially not the Academy Awards.
*Images:
Taraji P. Henson*: Splash News*; Queen Latifah: AdMedia/Splash News; Jennifer Hudson: We Dem Boyz/Splash News*
Design by Anne Meadows
Beyonce
There's no doubt that Queen Bey is one confident lady. That's because she knows who she is, and doesn't let others tell her what she's worth. Blue Ivy's mom said, "Your self-worth is determined by you. You don't have to depend on Someone telling you who you are."
Gabourey Sidibe
Gabourey Sidibe isn't afraid of being defined by stereotypes. She's beautiful and talented, and an inspiration to be fearless, even if you're "different" from what people expected. The American Horror Story alum shared, "I live my life because I dare. I dare to show up when everyone else might hide their faces and hide their bodies in shame."
Gabrielle Union
Gabrielle Union is right -- beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and shades. The Bring It On actress said, "Hollywood needs to recognize all shades of African-American beauty."
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Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson knows that we all have human hearts. The Empire star shared, "At the end of the day, everybody understands love, loss, pain, and heartbreak. That's not a color."
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Viola Davis
Emmy winner Viola Davis knows there is still an uphill battle in Hollywood for black women. But with amazing women like her pushing stereotypes and boundaries, the playing field is getting more level every day. Even if Oscar doesn't think so. "The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity," she confessed.