Woman - From the Shadows to the Spotlight

By Shani J.

Can we just take a minute to acknowledge the fact that women of color have been making big moves in male dominated fields lately? From politics to TV and film, they have been unstoppable, making history with many "firsts." 

In the last election, Rashida Tlaib and Ilhan Omar were the first Muslim women elected to Congress and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was the youngest woman elected.

According to Huffington Post, there has been a 75 percent increase in women of color in Congress since 2012. In 2018, 110 women hold seats in Congress, 23 in the Senate and 87 in the House, according to Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics.

A number of women have made history as well in film. Namely, Shonda Rhimes, Ava DuVernay and Dee Rees. 

Shonda Rhimes created popular series such as "Grey's Anatomy" "Scandal" and "How to Get Away with Murder." She is the first African American woman to create and executive produce a Top 10 network series.

Ava DuVernay, who is the first Black female director nominated for a Golden Globe. She is the director of "Queen Sugar." 

Dee Rees directed "Mudbound" which is the first Netflix film nominated for an Academy Award.

These women have truly set the bar high in the film industry and serve as great inspiration for future black female directors.

Women have come a long way in society. They have gone from being silenced and prevented from getting an education to having a voice and being allowed to express themselves. Today, women can vote, work and become business owners. They can't stop our shine!