2019 Emmy’s: Jerome and Porter make history

The 2019 Emmy’s will be remembered as one that made history. Jharrel Jerome and Billy Porter both made history at the event. Jerome made history by becoming the second-youngest performer to win for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, also the first Afro-Latino to win in an acting category. Billy Porter became the first openly gay African American to win the most outstanding actor in a drama series.

Jerome won for his performance in Ava DuVernay’s “When they see us,” where he played Korey Wise, one of the “Central Park Five.” Jerome’s performance was an excellent depiction of the internal struggles of Wise, who was in attendance to watch Jerome accept his award.  This moment was so special just because of the impact the film had on the world. 

Porter won his award for his role in “Pose” as Pray Tell, an emcee and fashion designer in New York City. Porter has taken control of this role and really has stolen the show every time he appears on the screen.  This show is also important because it is one of the first shows to portray openly gay and transgender characters on cable television.

With these monumental achievements in film history, African American actors are feeling the most confident on portraying any character. No longer will black actors will have to be a thug or a jock to win an award.