2023 NAACP Image Awards: Tracee Ellis Ross' 2020 "Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series" Acceptance Speech Honors Three Generations of Black Women
In 2020 longtime funny woman Tracee Ellis Ross earned the title of “Outstanding Actress In A Comedy Series” at the 51st Annual NAACP Image Awards. The black-ish star delivered a heartfelt speech that celebrated Black women in Hollywood before mentioning several of the industry’s hardest-working and trailblazing female figures.
In honor of this year’s ceremony airing on Saturday, February 25th, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET on BET, let’s take a look back at Ross’ powerful speech as she honors three generations of Black women.
Present
At the time, Ross began her speech on the importance of telling authentic stories through the lens of those who’ve experienced them. The actress also expressed how honored she was to be in the same class with trailblazer and inspirational Black women, including Ava DuVernay, Issa Rae, Tiffany Haddish, and Jill Scott.
Past
It’s commonly known that you can’t think about your future if you don’t know your past. Ross honored the women before her as she wrapped up her speech by mentioning several iconic figures, including her mother, Diana Ross, Cicely Tyson, Maxine Waters, Nina Simone, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, and Moms Mabley.
Future
Ross later shouted black-ish costar Yara Shahidi and singer-turned-actress Janelle Monàe. Both ladies have appeared in several critically acclaimed projects.
Watch the NAACP Image Awards live on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at 8:00 pm ET/PT on BET.
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