In the 20th century, African-Americans were not well represented in any career; they were dehumanized and segregated to the point where heavy punishments or executions were inflicted based on groundless proof.

As society becomes a diverse space, more people are standing up for our rights and our voices through representation. 

Schools are becoming more open to teaching children about the negativity imposed on African-Americans whether that be segregation, lynching, or slavery.

Learning about history to make a change in the future is key for growth.

It’s important that everyone is aware of the tough journey to know to enjoy the destination that we are slowly coming to.

We should be grateful for the progression in the accessibility to education that black people now have. 

In 1960, Ruby Bridges had the challenge of integrating an all-white school, and she paved the path for education now.

In most places, there are few established racial barriers to your education and we’re not refused that right based on the color of our skin.

We’re no longer limited on which school we attend or our seats on the bus. 

We have many privileges now that we take for granted that were achieved by the work of civil rights activists.

Women like Rosa Parks, Diane Nash, and Daisy Bates took a public stand for the benefit of all. 

Fast-forward to 2022, when the first black female judge, Ketanji Brown Jackson, was confirmed to serve in America’s highest court.

Or Serena Williams who has revolutionized athleticism in a sport that scrutinized her every move.

Or Lupita Nyong’o who has won an Oscar and continues to use her platform to advocate for our rights and push us further than we could’ve ever dreamed of.

Imagine your eyes glued to the screen waiting to see a Hollywood star that looked like you in your favorite movie.

Thinking that the only way you could reach success was if you see black women are already at that level.

According to UCLA,  44% of minorities are progressively being cast in mainstream television and movies.

I applaud all of the diversity that is increasing in Hollywood films, television, medicine, science, law, etc. 

Every director, boss, and executive who decides to make their work environment a more inclusive place. 

Nyong’o said, “No matter where you are from, your dreams are valid,”

Her famous quote touches the hearts of millions and reassures us that our background shouldn’t be a barrier.

There are a lot of firsts in this group of women, and in Kamala Harris’s words, we hope they’re not the last.

Growing up without a role model makes you want to be a role model to young girls in the future. 

So many black role models we have in every industry that motivate future generations that they can do it too.

An inspiration to black women that they can strive and reach the highest level with hard work and dedication. 

Each step we make towards black representation brings relief to the community and all the struggles we’ve endured with our identity. 

Black women have suffered at the hands of police, but their story isn’t always told, but we should be grateful for the black men’s stories that are shared

Even though we see violence against African-Americans increasing, we must remind ourselves of the growth.

Although we have a long way to go, let’s not forget about all the work we’ve done to get to this point.

Let’s acknowledge the strong women transfiguring our future into a place we’re proud of.