A man who couldn’t read or write until he was 18 is set to become Cambridge’s youngest black professor. Jason Arday made the major milestone after being diagnosed with autism and global delay, which left him unable to speak until he was 11.

He broke through barriers and has since become a prominent figure in the black community. And it got us thinking about household names who have paved the way for women in showbiz.

We take a look at just some of the exceptional talent to brace our screens in the last 20 years.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis made history after becoming the first Black woman to receive an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for How to Get Away with Murder.

But she’s also known for her tremendous contribution to film, featuring big hits including; Lila and Eve and Fences.

She recently produced and starred in her own film The Woman King, which hit huge numbers at box offices worldwide.

She recently produced and starred in her own film The Woman King, which hit huge numbers at box offices worldwide.

Angela Bassett

Angela Bassett arrives for the 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, California, on February 26, 2023

The 911 actress secured her first golden globe for her role as Tina Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with it. Her latest Golden Globe comes from Best Supporting Actress in Wakanda Forever.

She went on to earn Marvel its first acting nomination for Black Panther.

Laverne Cox

Laverne Cox has had a successful career, securing a lot of firsts and becoming a huge name in the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.

Best known for her character, Sophia Burset, Laverne was named the first transgender person to be put up for an Emmy for her role in Orange is the New Black in 2014.

Best known for her character, Sophia Burset, Laverne was named the first transgender person to be put up for an Emmy for her role in Orange is the New Black in 2014.

She was also the first transgender person to feature on the front cover of Time Magazine which took place in the same year. In 2018, she made history after appearing on the cover of Cosmopolitan South Africa for its Say Yes to Love edition.

She wrote a letter to readers and said: “Trans women deserve to be loved out in the open and in the light.”

Jennifer Hudson

The singer-actress is one of few to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award (EGOT). Other stars to win the prestigious title include Whoopi Goldberg.

Jennifer Hudson performs onstage during the Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons

After winning her Tony, she wrote on Instagram: “Wow !!! I am overwhelmed by all the outpouring of love and support that I am still receiving and I’m still processing this whole new ground.”

Tracee Ellis Ross

Despite being a 'nepo baby' as the daughter of Diana Ross, Traccee has become a huge name in her own right. In the early days of her career, she was best known as Joan in the show Girlfriends before highlighting racial stereotypes in sitcom Black-ish.

She has advocated in movements such as #TimesUp, supporting victims of sexual harassment. As well as supporting Black Lives Matter. The actress has also delved into the beauty world and launched her haircare line, Pattern Beauty in 2019.

And has since gone on to explore the complex culture of black hair in a docuseries called The Hair Tales.

Who do you think changed showbiz for the better? Sign in and let us know your thoughts in the comments below

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By Editor