In part one of ‘modern day Black History heroines’ I highlighted the achievements of important women in my generation. In the second and final part of this series, I’d like to focus on three very important females who are making critical changes right now.
Shonda Rhimes
(Photo credit: ABC/CRAIG SJODIN)
Shonda Rhimes
Shonda Lynn Rhimes is a screenwriter, director, and producer. She is the first African American woman to create and executive produce three top-10 network series.
Rhimes is best known as the creator, head writer, executive producer and show runner of the medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy, its spin-off Private Practice and political thriller series Scandal. In May 2007, Rhimes was named one of Time magazine’s 100 people who help shape the world. Rhimes was an executive producer for the medical drama series Off the Map, which aired on ABC for one season in 2011. Rhimes serves as executive producer for ABC’s new legal series How to Get Away with Murder, which debuted September 25, 2014.
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer
Lauren Keyana ‘Keke’ Palmer is an American actress, television presenter, singer, and songwriter. The actress just turned 21 in August, but her portfolio is thicker than superstars double her age and she exudes so much wisdom.
A true trailblazer, Keke has set the bar for those following behind. In April of this year, Keke announced that she’d be taking on another feat as host of her own BET talk show, Just Keke. This made her the youngest person in television history to host a talk show.
Palmer is the first Black Cinderella on Broadway, starring in the production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic.
One of the reasons Keke has been a favorite among fans and entertainment executives is because she’s maintained a clean image. With paparazzi and critics watching celebrities’ every microscopic move, Palmer has done considerably well steering clear of big scandals making her a wonderful role model for young Black girls and all girls of every other race.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles
We often hear about the great accomplishments of Gabby Douglas, but Simone Biles is just as important.
This 17-year-old gymnast leaped into history last year when she became the first Black person to be World All-Around Champion. Simone Arianne Biles (born the 14 March 1997) is an American artistic gymnast. Biles is a two-time U.S. National All-Around Champion (2013 and 2014), two-time World All-Around Champion (2013 and 2014), two-time World Floor Champion (2013 and 2014), the 2014 World Beam Champion, and a member of the gold-medal-winning US team at the 2014 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Biles is also the first African American to be World All-Around Champion. Despite being only two years into her senior career, she is already one of the most decorated gymnasts in U.S. history.
Biles is the sixth woman and second American in history to win back-to-back all-around titles in the World Championship.
