BHM: Boundary-Breaking Black Women in Entertainment

Boundary-Breaking Black Women in EntertainmentBoundary-Breaking Black Women in EntertainmentWhat would Black History Month be without stories to inspire and motivate? In celebration of this exciting month, we present to you our favorite boundary-breaking Black women who have not only entertained us, but have also inspired us to not be afraid to kick down barriers. From Oprah Winfrey to Dorothy Dandridge, each of these women have done their part to better our culture. Take a look at our favorite boundary-breaking Black women.Lena HorneThe legendary singer and actress was the first Black woman to sign a long-term contract with a film studio in 1942. Refusing to play a maid, she went on to star in classics like "Stormy Weather" and "Cabin in the Sky."Mary J. BligeAffectionately called the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," Mary J. Blige is a living legend in the music industry.Billie HolidayAn American jazz singer and songwriter, Holiday was one of the first Black women to work with an all-white orchestra (with Artie Shaw) in 1938. In her lifetime she would put out some of the most memorable jazz classics. Her unforgettable voice and musical style continue to be celebrated today.Marian AndersonIn 1955, Anderson broke the color barrier by becoming the first African-American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera.Oprah WinfreyOprah's show is one of the highest-rated programs of its kind in history. Along with breaking many other barriers in humanitarian efforts and media, Oprah adds billionaire and cable network chairman to her extensive portfolio.Diana RossFrom her days as lead singer of The Supremes to her solo singing and acting career, Diana Ross's effortless style and angelic voice, inspired generations of Black women.Nina SimoneA prolific singer, songwriter, pianist, and civil rights activist, Nina Simone not only sang the songs of a generation, she laid a musical foundation for years to come. Today, her songs can be heard as samples on a number of hip-hop songs.Diahann CarrollConsidered one of the most beautiful women of our time, legendary actress Diahann Carroll broke boundaries when she starred in her own television sitcom, "Julia," a first for an African-American woman. She was also the first Black woman to win a Tony Award (1962), and a Golden Globe Award (1968).Althea GibsonIn 1956 Gibson became the first Black woman to be a competitor on the world tennis tour and the first to win a Grand Slam title.Vanessa L. WilliamsActress and singer Vanessa L. Williams was the first Black woman to be crowned Miss America in 1983. The multi-talented New York native has gone on to break boundaries in television and music.Lauryn HillAfter going solo from the Fugees, and releasing her debut, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," Hill became the first female musician to win five Grammy's in one night.Aretha FranklinFranklin is not only one of the giants of soul music and of American pop as a whole, in 1987 she became the first woman, and first Black woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.Hattie McDanielMcDaniel was first Black performer to win an Academy Award. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role a Mammy in "Gone with the Wind" in 1939.Sheila JohnsonJohnson made her fortune with her ex-husband Bob Johnson as co-founder of the Black Entertainment Television (BET), one of the most influential cable channels of our generation. She soon became the first African-American woman billionaire (before Oprah). After selling BET Johnson went on to become part owner of three sports teams, including the Washington Mystics (WNBA), Washington Wizards (NBA) and the Washington Capitals (NHL). She got game.Gwendolyn BrooksIn 1949 poet Gwendolyn Brooks became the first Black woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for literature. In her lifetime Brooks had more than 20 books published and she was appointed Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress in 1985.Lorraine HansberryPlaywright and author of political speeches, Lorraine Hansberry is an American icon. Her classic "A Raisin in the Sun" was the first play written by a Black woman to be produced on Broadway.Ma RaineyMother of the blues, Gertrude Rainey, was the first woman to record a blues record in 1920.Toni MorrisonIn 1993, Morrison became the first Black woman to win a Nobel Prize for Literature. She also won a Pulitzer Prize for her novel, "Beloved."Halle BerryIn 2001, Berry became the first African American to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for "Monster's Ball."Tyra BanksSupermodel Tyra Banks has broken boundaries for women of color overall. In 1997 she became the first Black woman to grace the coveted cover of Sports Illustrated. From her days as a supermodel to the present, where she is one of a handful of Black women to have her own production company, Bankable Productions, which produces the uber successful show, "America's Next Top Model."BeyonceWords cannot describe the impact that Beyonce has had on a generation. She is one of music's wealthiest and influential women, and a record holder for most Grammys won in a night (six-she took the title from Lauryn Hill). She even coined the term, "Bootylicious." Not bad for a shy girl from Houston.Whitney HoustonHouston has had enough achievements to last her many lifetimes. From being one of the most successful singers of her time to having one of the best-selling songs — "I Will Always Love You" — of all time. We will always love you Whitney!Maya AngelouBesides penning some of the most memorable prose of our time, Angelou has earned numerous awards including a Pulitzer Prize. Her poem and novels continue to influence generations, regardless of race.Queen LatifahQueen Latifah has not only only broken boundaries in hip hop, but Hollywood as well. In 2001, she became the first female hip hop artist to be nominated for an Oscar as Best Actress in a Supporting Role for "Chicago." She is also a media mogul in training, with her own production company.Venus and Serena WilliamsBefore Venus and Serena Williams the world had never imagined two Black girls from Compton could grow up to become tennis champions. But they did, over and over again, smashing stereotypes and inspiring generations of girls along the way.Mariah CareyCarey holds the record for the second-most number one singles by an artist. With 20 number one's under her belt, she even surpasses Elvis.Zora Neale HurstonHurston is considered one of the pre-eminent writers of twentieth-century in African-American literature.Janet JacksonFive-time Grammy winner Janet Jackson has so much world-wide appeal that she can sell out a concert within seconds. The youngest of the Jackson clan has masterfully upheld her family's entertainment legacy. Go Janet!Nicki MinajNewcomer Nicki Minaj is already making her mark. The pint-sizd rapper with a super-sized personality recently broke Lauryn Hill's record by selling the most albums in a week by a female hip hop artist.Ella FitzgeraldJazz singer Ella Fitzgerald's voice is considered one of America's finest. This jazzy lady was the first Black woman to win a Grammy in 1958.Dorothy DandridgeConsidered Hollywood's first major Black film star, Dorothy Dandridge also became the first African American nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1954. Star of the classic musical "Carmen Jones," Dandridge was also the first African-American woman to grace the cover of Life magazine.Cathy HughesAlso known as 'Ms. Radio," Hughes, founder and chairperson of Radio One, is one of entertainment's hardest working women. She is also the first Black woman to head a publicly traded company.Della ReeseIn 1970, the singer-actress became the first African American woman to guest host The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.Misty CopelandMisty Copeland is the first Black female soloist at American Ballet Theatre. The Missouri native has been dancing since she was 13 and has appeared in productions of Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote and more.Shonda RhimesThis talented scribe created the successful show, "Grey's Anatomy." Each week roughly 18.5 million viewers tune in to watch what is now dubbed as the new ABC/Touchstone. She is the first Black woman to create and executive produce a successful hour-long drama on network TV. Here's what you had to say: Ruth commented via Facebook: "That's right. Honor all of our female entertainers. They deserve it!" Bella wrote via Facebook:"These women have such beautiful souls."

BHM: Payless Debuts 'I Believe' Bracelet

Supporting the spirit of Black History month just got a little more stylish. In honor of it, Payless is debuting the limited edition "I Believe" bracelet. The soft as velvet ribbon accessory is trimmed with a silver chain clasp. Starting today, it will be available for just $3 at Payless stores nationwide and online...

Daily Dose: Akkad Heart Ornament from HSN

With less than five weeks until Christmas, it's not too early to start thinking decorations. This season, the Home Shopping Network (HSN) has partnered with stylish personalities from Iman to Michael Kors to Twiggy. On the list is famed designer Ahmed Akkad, whose personally crafted glittering ornament caught our eye... We love the ornate Swarovski crystals and delicate flowers. Proceeds go to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Find it now for $39.99 on HSN.  

5 Necessities for a 4th of July Kids Party

BHM: The 30 Most Beautiful Black Women in History

ESSENCE.com staffers are constantly going back and forth about who we think is the most beautiful Black woman of all time. In honor of Black History Month, we decided it was the perfect time to compile a definitive list of all our favorite beauties (in no particular order, of course... lest we start a riot)! From Pam Grier to Dorothy Dandridge, here are our picks for the 30 most ravishing African-American women in history. Here's what you had to say: Jill commented via Facebook: "We're all beautiful." Celia wrote via Facebook:"We must understand that beauty is not outside only, but also the torch of struggle and strength one carries inside."

Video: Fonzworth Bentley On Black History Month

Check out Fonzworth Bentley as he breaks down Black History Month as only he can... Read more: Fonzworth Bentley and Ford Taurus Go GreenWord on the Street: Who Is Your Favorite African American Hero?

Commentary: 'Black People Don't Have Eating Disorders'

Is there a connection between Black History Month and National Eating Disorders Awareness Week? For me, there is. I am Black and have spent years struggling with disordered eating. Let me share my process of accepting these two areas of my life... Read more: Balancing Act: I'm Living With Lupus10 Foods That Can Affect Your Mental Health

Vintage Vamp: Lena Horne

In honor of Black History Month, we thought it appropriate to salute Lena Horne, a boundary-busting Black performer who was also one of the most glamorous, fashionable women in America during her heyday in the '40s, '50s, and '60s. Check out our gallery of some of our favorite Horne images, as well as products inspired by her iconic beauty. Read More: Vintage Vamp: Josephine BakerVintage Vamp: Solid Gold Dancer Darcel WynnVintage Vamp: Lisa Bonet

Celebrating Black History Now: 40 Firsts In 40 Years

We are often led to believe that when it comes to Black History Month the word "history" is a term reserved for events and people from ages ago. But in a time where we have our first African-American president, it is evident that African-Americans continue to make history daily. Therefore, we do a disservice to ourselves and the future generations to only put emphasis on the handful of commonly mentioned trailblazers we salute every year. Yes, without question, our hats go off to African-American firsts like Madam C.J. Walker, Phillis Wheatley, and Booker T. Washington, but do you know who Max Robinson is? As we celebrate ESSENCE's rich 40-year anniversary, let's take a look at 40 men and women in the the last 40 years who have made history and are noted to be the "first" in areas where African-Americans continue to excel.  See our list of 40 Firsts in 40 Years. Read more: 40 Boundary-Breaking Black Women40 Black Couples We Love40 Reasons Why Black Women Are Beautiful

Fraternity Mocks BHM, Hosts 'Compton Cookout'

A University of California San Diego fraternity is under fire for hosting a party for Black History Month, with a cheap and highly offensive twist. There were no history lessons at the "ghetto-themed," "Compton Cookout," which urged all attendees to "wear chains, don cheap clothes and speak very loudly," reports the San Diego Union Tribune. An invitation to the party read, "For those of you who are unfamiliar with ghetto chicks--Ghetto chicks usually have gold teeth, start fights and drama, and wear cheap clothes..." Less than two percent of students at UCSD are Black. An official from the university told the Union Tribune that because the party was not sanctioned by the school, they had no reason to take action by penalizing the fraternity... Read More: College Degree Doesn't Guarantee Jobs For Black Students Poet Saul Williams on Morehouse Dress Code White House HBCU Director on School Funding