In 2002, the first Black woman won the Academy Award for best actress. Halle Berry received the honor for her role in “Monster’s Ball” the award left the star in tears and unable to speak for nearly a minute. “This moment is so much bigger than me,” she finally choked out, ticking off the names of other Black actresses. Given the sign to wrap up her acceptance speech at the 74th annual Oscars, she protested, “This is 74 years here; I’ve got to take this time.” Berry went on to say “This moment is for all the nameless, faceless women of color who now have a chance because this door tonight has been opened.
