Golden Globes 2017: Tracee Ellis Ross dedicates award to women of color, "colorful people"

Culture

Tracee Ellis Ross grabbed the gold for best performance by an actress in a television series - musical or comedy for her role on Blackish during the Golden Globes ceremony on Sunday. But it was her speech that really brought it home.

While accepting her award, Ross shouted out fellow actresses of color who help bring diversity of color and experience to the shows and films people watch. 

"This is for all the women, women of color and colorful people whose stories, ideas, thoughts, are not always considered worthy and valid and important," Ross said. "But I want you to know that I see you." 

She continued, "It is an honor to be on this show, Black-ish, to continue expanding the way we are seen and known, and to show the magic and the beauty and the sameness of a story and stories that are outside of where the industry usually looks."

Ross's speech stands as another great entry into the anthology of women of color who have used their award show wins to stand up for the need for more opportunities for women of color. In 2015, Viola Davis used her Emmy win to shout out what women of color need in order to succeed in Hollywood. 

"Let me tell you something: The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity," she continued. "You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there."