Written By: Pascaline Opeodu
I case you missed our previous list on black girl magic, here is a new list to keep you motivated.
Sen. Kamala Harris
Claim to fame: American politician
Why she’s extraordinary: Though the Black and Indian American California senator had to drop out of the 2020 presidential race, the former state attorney general has earned a place as a prominent political voice for the Democratic party. She assumed office as the new Vice President of the United States of America in 2021.
Taraji P. Henson
Claim to fame: Actress
Why she’s extraordinary: The Oscar-nominee (for 2008’s The Curious Case of Benjamin Button) is a celebrated actress and Hollywood mainstay. And what would we do without her beloved Empire character Cookie Lyon?
Regina King
Claim to fame: Actress, director
Why she’s extraordinary: King has been absolutely killing it in a career that spans decades, culminating in three Emmys, a Golden Globe, and a supporting actress Oscar for her role in If Beale Street Could Talk. And her critically acclaimed new HBO dystopian drama, Watchmen, riveted audiences.
Issa Rae
Claim to fame: Actress, writer, producer
Why she’s extraordinary: After first garnering attention with her YouTube series Awkward Black Girl, Rae has earned acclaim for her HBO comedy series Insecure, making her one of the leading creative voices in today’s Hollywood.
Tiffany Haddish
Claim to fame: Comedian, actress
Why she’s extraordinary: Following her breakout role in 2017’s Girl’s Trip, Haddish has become one of our favorite comedians, and has had a film on the big screen ever since. (Night School, The Kitchen, The Oath, and Like a Boss to name a few). She also has a New York Times bestselling autobiography and signed a stand-up special deal with Netflix in 2018.
Michelle Obama
Claim to fame: Author, lawyer, and the first Black FLOTUS of the United States
Why she’s extraordinary: The author of 2018’s bestselling novel—her memoir Becoming—Mrs. Obama captivated many with her show of warmth, strength, and positivity as the country’s First Lady from 2009 to 2017. In her role, she fought against childhood obesity and championed education for young girls. And in the face of dark political times, during her speech at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, she delivered a line that still resonates with many today: “When they go low, we go high.”
Tracee Ellis Ross
Claim to fame: Actress, social advocate
Why she’s extraordinary: The daughter of singer Diana Ross— legend, and another fierce Black woman on this list—Tracee is a shining light in Hollywood. From her role as the ambitious Joan in the early 2000’s show Girlfriends, to her current groundbreaking gig as Dr. Rainbow Johnson on the hit sitcom Black-ish, the actress is guaranteed to put a smile on your face with her fashion, goofy Instagram antics, and passion for movements like #TimesUp and #BlackLivesMatter.
Ava DuVernay
Claim to fame: Director, producer, screenwriter
Why she’s extraordinary: With films like 13th, Selma, and A Wrinkle In Time (starring our very own O of O), DuVernay has made a point to put representation at the forefront of her critically-acclaimed work. She’s also racked up countless firsts: The first Black woman to win the best feature directing award at Sundance in 2012; the first Black woman to get a Best Director Golden Globe nomination; the first woman of color to direct a Oscar-nominated best picture film; and the first woman to direct a film that grossed more than $100 million domestically.
Lena Waithe
Claim to fame: Screenwriter, producer, actress
Why she’s extraordinary: In 2017, Waithe made history as the first Black woman to win the category for writing in a comedy series for the Netflix show, Master of None. As a gay woman, the writer is also an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ community and strives for representation in film and TV for queer people of color.
Phylicia Rashad
Claim to fame: Actress, singer
Why she’s extraordinary: Though the 70-year-old star stole our hearts decades earlier as everyone’s favorite TV mom, Clair Huxtable, Rashad won a Tony Award for her turn in the 2003 revival of the groundbreaking play A Raisin in the Sun. She was the first Black woman to win the honor in a dramatic lead role.
