Tabitha Brunswick // Entertainment // EEW Magazine Online

The annals of Emmy history have long witnessed a drought in representation when it comes to Black women gracing the stage to claim the coveted award for best actress in a comedy.

It's been a silent echo since Isabel Sanford's iconic win for "The Jeffersons" in 1981, a void that has been felt deeply within the Black community and the entertainment industry at large.

But on a night glittering with stars and brimming with talent, Quinta Brunson, 32, shattered that glass ceiling with the infectious joy and radiance she brings as Janine Teagues on ABC's "Abbott Elementary," capturing the heart of the award and etching her name into Emmy lore as the first Black woman to clutch the trophy in this category in over four decades.

Isabel Sanford at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium for the Emmys in 1981. She was the first Black woman to win best actress in a comedy series (Courtesy of Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)

The atmosphere in the room was electric, a collective breath held by the audience as Brunson's name was announced. A jubilant uproar ensued; a standing ovation reverberated throughout the venue, a testament to the admiration and respect for Brunson's craft and her role as a trailblazer.

"I'm over the moon! Making 'Abbott Elementary' is a dream come true, and to be recognized for bringing laughter as a Black woman in comedy is beyond what I could have imagined," Brunson beamed in her acceptance speech. "Comedy is my heart, and this recognition just reaffirms my love for it. I am so, so grateful."

Her win was more than an accolade; it was a moment of recognition, of visibility for Black women who have long shaped the comedic landscape yet remained under-acknowledged by their industry. Adding to her accolades, Brunson had already snagged an Emmy the previous year for best writing in a comedy series. Yet, the night marked her first acting Emmy, a sweet victory after being a nominee in the same category last year, when Jean Smart took home the award for "Hacks."

Quinta Brunson wipes away tears of joy after historic Emmy win. (Credit: Getty Images)

The evening continued to celebrate the brilliance of Black women in television.

Niecy Nash-Betts, 53, known for her dynamic range and magnetic presence, graced the stage with poise, delivering a speech that captivated and moved the audience as she accepted her Emmy for her starring role in "Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.”

In her impassioned speech, she thanked herself for believing in her abilities, a moment that elicited laughter from the audience. Nash-Betts then shifted to a somber reflection, dedicating her award to "every Black and brown woman who has gone unheard and over-policed."

Niecy Nash-Betts poses triumphantly with her Emmy. (Credit: Getty Images)

She invoked the memory of Glenda Cleveland, the woman she portrayed in the series — Dahmer's neighbor who tried to alert authorities about his heinous crimes. Nash-Betts continued by naming Sandra Bland and Breonna Taylor, two Black women whose tragic encounters with law enforcement sparked national outcry and became pivotal figures in the fight against police brutality and systemic injustice.

Bland's death in a jail cell in 2015 following a traffic stop arrest and Taylor's fatal shooting in 2020 during a botched police raid, which was later shown to be based on a fraudulent warrant, were sobering tales that underscored Nash-Betts' message about the need for change and recognition of these women's stories.

Nash-Betts concluded her speech with a powerful declaration of her artistic mission: “As an artist, my job is to speak truth to power, and baby I’m going to do it to the day I die!” This statement not only reinforced her commitment to her craft but also her dedication to using her voice as a force for social awareness and transformation.

Ayo Edebiri, the 27-year-old rising star, shone brightly as she received the Emmy for best supporting actress in a comedy series for her work on "The Bear." Expressing immense gratitude for the honor, she opened her heart, saying, "I'm so incredibly grateful for this, for so many reasons," highlighting the significance of the celebration of both blood and chosen bonds that the show represents.

Ayo Edebiri from 'The Bear' poses at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards. (Credit: Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)

She playfully noted her parents' presence, joking, "I'm making them sit kinda far away because I'm a bad kid." However, her affection for her family was seriously palpable as she thanked them. "But I love you guys so much, thank you so much for loving me and letting me feel beautiful and Black and proud of all of that. I just love you so much."

She also humorously acknowledged her unconventional career path, noting, "Probably not a dream to immigrate to this country and have your child be like ‘I wanna do improv,’ but you're real ones,” paying homage to her parents' unwavering support.

The collective victories of Quinta Brunson, Niecy Nash, and Ayo Edebiri are beacons of progress, emblematic of the slow but sure shift towards a more inclusive and equitable industry. Their wins not only celebrate their individual achievements but also herald a hopeful future where the Emmy stage will see a more diverse array of triumphant Black women, their talents undeniable, their contributions invaluable.

Watch all their awesome acceptance speeches below.