5 Black Women who Made History Behind the Scenes in Television
Black women have always been the game changers and history makers in the television setting. Since the days of being pigeon held in roles that depicted them as just mammies and matriarchs black women have been able to mold their roles in front of the camera because of the forces that began working behind the camer. While we always take time to pay homage to the one’s who live in front of the camera, we can’t forget to give our flowers to those that made great changes behind the lens. Follow along while we shine light on 5 black women that did and will change how we view television.
Rashida Jones
Rashida Jones made history February 1st as the first black woman to head a major television news network–MSNBC. She started out with parent company NBCUniversal seven years ago. Before claiming her position as President of the news outlet, she was the senior vice president of MSNBC and NBC News.
Ruth E. Carter
A trailblazer with over 4 decades of experience under belt, Carter was able to garner the recognition she deserved in 2019 by being the first black woman to recieve and Oscar in the costume design category. All thanks to the pioneering and groundbreaking movie “The Black Panther.”
Shonda Rhimes
American television writer and producer Shonda Rhimes made history as not only the first black woman to create three hit tv shows with more than 100 episodes, but she also is the first black woman to create and executive produce a top 10 network series, Grey’s Anatomy.
Oprah Winfrey
When it comes to Oprah Winfrey, she holds multiple titles for her success over the years, but one that stands out in television is her being the the first black woman to own and produce her own talk show. She inspired and influx of black female journalist after her grand rise to the top for the “ Oprah Winfrey Show”. She paved the way for many other black women after her including Tamron Hall, Tyra Banks, and many more.
Janet Mock
Janet Mock made history in 2019 as the first black transgender woman to have a production deal at a major studio. Mock inked a three year contract for her series “Pose” for streaming service Netflix.