The 69th Emmy Awards took place on September 17 in Los Angeles, California. History was made that night, as an amazing selection of actors from minority groups bagged several awards in different categories. Over the years, many viewers have criticized the Academy for their lack of inclusion and predictability. This year's Emmy awards acknowledged just how talented People Of Color are.

Glover sets the tone for Black excellence

One of the first minority actors to win an Emmy was none other than Donald Glover. Glover won the “Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series” award for his hit show “Atlanta”.

Later in the night, he was also awarded a second Emmy for “Best Actor in a Comedy Series”, which made him the first minority to win in that category. Aside from winning Emmy’s for his hard work, he is also noted as a rapper and comedian. Glover released his latest album titled “Awaken, My Love!” in 2016 under his stage name “Childish Gambino”. Glover continues to work on the very show that earned him an Emmy as fans eagerly wait for its return.

Minority representation at Emmy Awards

Another group of talented minorities that were acknowledged at the award show were Aziz Ansari and Lena Waithe. Aziz Ansari and Lena Waithe were both awarded for “Best Writing for a Comedy Series” for the show “Master of None”.

Lena Waithe became the first Black woman to win an Emmy award in that particular category. After winning the award, Waithe gave an inspiring speech where she encouraged others to “embrace being different” and to make being different a “superpower”. Not only are the pair credited for writing and creating the show, they also co-star in the Netflix original comedy series.

The show is in now in its second season.

Sterling K. Brown adds to Black history

Also included on the list of people who contributed to Black history was Sterling K. Brown. Brown was awarded an Emmy for the “Best Actor in a Drama Series” for his role in “This Is Us”. Sterling K. Brown became the first actor in 19 years to win the award in that category.

Minorities have won in that category in previous years, but Brown is only the fourth person to win it. Sterling K. Brown also played a leading role in season three of the hit drama series “American Crime Story: The People V. O.J. Simpson”.

Always room for improvement

Though minority representation improved at this years Emmy’s, many felt the need to criticize certain aspects of the show. During the award show, a tribute was made to the stars that recently died. Many people noticed that two very important individuals were left out of the tribute -- Dick Gregory and Charlie Murphy. The two comedians brought laughter into many lives and continues to impact Black communities with their work of art. The exclusion of the two game-changers left many wondering if they were purposely left out or just simply not thought of.
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED