In interviews, award ceremonies and daytime TV programs, Oprah often thanks the way makers and door openers who proceeded her. When speaking of her chained ancestors or pioneering figures, such as Toni Morrison, she has been known to quote, “I come as one, but I stand as 10,000.”
Like Oprah, the famous words paraphrased from Maya Angelou’s Our Grandmothers inspires our overwhelming gratitude for the trailblazers and their sacrifice. But it also kindles our fiery pride for those currently among us, carrying the torch to new heights.
In celebration of black history and black future, we draw on leading women and their successors. First up are women in entertainment. Take a look through the following pages and share your favorite stars.
Tina Turner and Beyoncé
Tina Turner started stirring a buzz in 1960 when she recorded “A Fool in Love” with Ike Turner. It didn’t take long for Turner to rise to stardom, creating her own lane with grunting vocals, killer legs and standout hair. Beyoncé, one of the world’s biggest icons, evidently borrows from Tina Turner’s performance style and garb. The modern day star has credited Turner as an inspiration and even honored her with a brilliant performance of “Proud Mary” at The Kennedy Center Honors in 2005. The song brought the two together again at the 2008 Grammy Awards, this time rocking it out together.
Janet Collins and Misty Copeland
Janet Collins had the chance to attend the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, under the condition that she perform in whiteface. The skilled dancer declined the offer and went on to become the first black artist to perform at the Metropolitan Opera House in New
York. She died in 2003. Misty Copeland has taken a similar path to Collins’, becoming the third African American woman soloist, and the first in 20 years, at American Ballet Theater. The ballerina has danced with Prince, snagged an Under Armour commercial and authored a New York Times best seller. Last year, Copeland encouraged her social media followers to support the kickstarter campaign to produce a Janet Collins narrative. She tweeted, “Janet Collins changed the world of dance! Join @swtblackberry in bringing her story to kids.”Ella Fitzgerald and Chrisette Michele
Ella Fitzgerald, also called “The First Lady of Song,” is arguably the most known jazz singer in history, selling over 40 million albums and winning 13 Grammy awards. Her voice had wide range and she mastered the art of scat. Fitzgerald died in 1996 and left a legacy to fuel rising artists. Chrisette Michele was one of those artists, and music critics have likened her effortless voice and live performances, where she’ll oft break into a scat number, to Fitzgerald’s. The current day songstress revealed to Billboard that the “Summertime” singer was one of her heroes.
Phylicia Rashad and Tracee Ellis Ross
Phylicia Rashad is one of America’s most treasured and respected actresses. In addition to her Broadway performances, she also ranks among the top tiers of TV moms. Rashad helped shape the world’s perception of black family and culture in her eight-season run as Clair Huxtable on The Cosby Show. Playing a matriarch of a black family living in an upper class suburb today is Tracee Ellis Ross. Ross takes on Rainbow, a wife, mother and doctor, in the sitcom Black-ish
.Grace Jones and Rihanna
Grace Jones, model, actress and singer, was among the first to boldly experiment with taboo looks and sounds. The model turned singer publicly expressed her sexuality and was no stranger to racy outfits and editorial spreads. Jones, who sang “My Jamaican Guy,” has a two-and-a-half octave range, and she is a trendsetter in the fashion realm. Rihanna, also a West Indian-born international sensation, has led a similar career to Jones’ in her unapologetic image and content. The pop star says what she wants, never minding the controversy to follow, and she’s a fashion favorite among elite designers. Rihanna has paid homage to Grace Jones and even mirrored one of Jones’ costumes in a 2010 performance.