LIVING LEGENDS of TOMORROW making history now

IN PART 2 OF OUR BLACK HISTORY MONTH COVERAGE, WE CELEBRATE MAJOR TALENTS WHO ARE BUSTING OPEN DOORS AND PAVING PATHS TO THE FUTURE

Zendaya 

First Black actress to win two Emmys for a leading role

After becoming the youngest woman to win the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series Emmy in 2020, the Euphoria star, 26, picked up the honor again in 2022 for her role on the HBO series. Zendaya has gracefully transitioned from a Disney Channel child star into a formidable leading lady, showing off her acting, singing and action skills on Euphoria, in the 2017 hit film The Greatest Showman and in the blockbuster Spider-Man franchise. Though she's only 26, she's already providing a blueprint for the next generation, like her Euphoria costar Storm Reid, 19, who calls Zendaya "my fourth sibling." Says Reid: "To go from someone that you look up to, to working with them is really cool. Having her pour into me is a huge blessing."

ISSA Rаe 

First Black female creator and star of a premium cable series

On the heels of her successful YouTube series The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl, Rae, 38, created the 2016-21 HBO dramedy Insecure, which earned her three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. "I'm proud to show what's possible," she says of the upgrade to cable.

She moved to the big screen in 2020 with The Photograph and The Lovebirds, and in 2022 premiered her latest cable creation, the HBO Max comedy series Rap Sh!t.

"I will always be chasing the experience I had with Insecure," she says. "It gave me confidence in my ability to tell stories and connect with an audience."

Lil nasx