The first Afro-Latino to win an Emmy.
The first openly gay black man to win an Emmy.
Let that sink in.
Let's Take a Trip Down Memory Lane
The Emmys first aired on January 25, 1949 and only six awards were given. The categories were:
1. Most Outstanding Television Personality
2. The Station Award for Outstanding Overall Achievement
3. Technical award
4. The Best Film Made for Television
5. Most Popular Television Program
6. A special Emmy was presented for the creation of a statue
As I’m sure you probably already guessed, all the winners were white. It wasn’t until 1956 where black performers, Harry Belafonte and Sammy Davis Jr. were both nominated for Best Specialty Act, becoming the first black nominees for an Emmy. Harry Belafonte was nominated again in 1960 for Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Musical Program or Series but this time he won! Making him officially the first black person to ever win an Emmy. It took 11 years to receive a critically acclaimed award but understand that people of color have been performing and influencing the arts for a VERY long time before that. This win was just the beginning of a necessary change in media, allowing the discounted to feel seen.
Fast Forward
Jharrel Jerome: The First Afro-Latino to Win an Emmy
Continuing the tone of paving ways, last night at the 2019 Emmys award show the very first Afro-Latino, Jharrel Jerome, won the nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a limited series or Movie for his performance in the Netflix Limited Series, “When They See Us.” This moment shook my entire Dominican household, to see someone who represents us win such a big award was incredible. In his acceptance speech he threw out a “Te Quiero” when referring to members his family making the moment all the more special. Not to mention he won for his role in a series that’s bringing to light the truths of the Central Park Five: five men that were wrongfully convicted for a crime they did not commit (click here to learn more.) To see these five black men finally feel a sense justice through the arts sent a wave of emotions to everyone both in the audience and watching at home.
The Afro-Latinx community is one that is underrepresented in both the media and consequently at award shows. To be honest the exposure of Afro-Latinx has become a more recent topic of discussion with moments like Miss Republica Dominicana, Claudia Dalvey, being deemed as unfit to represent the country because the texture of her hair and color of her skin (click here to learn more.) As well as the various instagram pages such as @Afrolatinas_ and @Afrolatinaswlocs that are gaining a bigger following and respect due to the fact that latinos are recognizing their truths. A lot of work is still required both within the latino community and their representation in the media but this win is a step in the right direction!
Billy Porter: The First Openly Gay Black Man to Win an Emmy
Billy Porter takes home an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his role on the FX series “Pose.” This was a huge accomplishment for the LGBT community that is also extremely underrepresented in the arts, especially if you’re black or latino. In the media members of the LGBT that are also Black or Latino are often represented as that extra token or accessory but their stories, up until recently have not been the forefront in film and/or tv. This is why the show alone is making history and needs no award to solidify that, the award is just the cherry on top. Porter was overwhelmed with emotions with this win and during his acceptance speech mentioned that we have the right to be here. This reminded me of all the people who feel unseen and/or unheard that struggle to find their place on this earth of so many standards.
We are at a time that seeing people like Jharrel Jerome and Billy Porter remind us that in order to make change we must be the change. Both these wins, similar to Harry Belafonte back in 1960 made history and will pave the way for people whose voices often go unheard. Congratulations to all the winners, your devotion and passion for your craft does not go unnoticed.
Thank you for reading and getting your daily vitamins here on Vitamins for Breakfast!