Sheryl & Quinta, Thank You
Tonight is the return of what has become one of my favorite shows, Abbott Elementary. Each member of the cast brings their own bit of hilariousness to the show. I have to rewatch the episodes a few times just to catch all of the funny banter between the characters. Bravo to Quinta and the writers for giving us a show that we never knew we needed. What I enjoy most is the lesson that are given at the end of each episode, I can laugh and learn what a combination.
Just last week my heart burst with so much joy watching Barbara, Sheryl Lee Ralph get the flowers she most certainly deserves in winning her first Emmy. Sheryl was thee original DreamGirl, she was Moesha’s mama, she has graced our television screens for decades. To see her win brought tears to my eyes. To see her children scream and yell, “Go Mommy!” did something to my heart. Watching other celebrities celebrate her sending flowers and love was amazing. I rejoiced for her and her family. It was like watching an auntie win. I am still and forever going to be so happy for her.
Growing up as a little black girl I didn’t have the opportunity to see me represented on many tv shows. The bar most often than not were white women who skinny with blonde hair and blue eyes. I didn’t have the chance to see a Quinta Brunson who started on Twitter, turned actress turned writer turned Emmy winner. I didn’t get a chance to see a ME represented on a big stage as television. To see both Sheryl & Quinta win last week brought joy to the little girl in me as well as motivated the grown up JeeJee.
How beautiful these wins truly are. I am sure someone watching the Emmy’s last week thought the win was good. I am sure someone else watching said, “Oh I just love that show, it’s funny.” Someone else might have cheered for these two amazing black women and moved on.
This moment was much bigger just a funny comedy. This win has and is it is staying with me. The win showcased what it meant to continue to do what you love. The win showcased what it means to take up space, be in that space, never apologize ever! The win reminded a black girl, a black woman to keep believing. The win sparked joy in the hearts of a few of us, it sparked the joy in the hearts of the little girls within. It was a breath of fresh air in a world where it is often so difficult to breath and see joy.
Sheryl & Quinta thank you! Thank you for being you! Thank you for showing us all the joy of continuing to keep on going with your dream!