Accepting her first Emmy award for Outstanding Lead Actress In Drama Series, Viola Davis became the first African American woman to receive the accolade and she rose to the occasion by delivering one of the most moving and poignant acceptance speeches in Emmy history. Quoting Harriet Tubman and asserting that the only thing separating women of color from anyone else is opportunity, she made a powerful statement about the ongoing struggle for diversity and female equality in Hollywood and our society at large. By thanking all of the writers, producers, directors and peers who have supported black actresses thus far, she gracefully accepted and celebrated the milestone with aplomb. Watch the full speech here.
