“ There is hope in the young people out there. And I just want to say to all my peers out there doing the work in the streets: I see you, I admire you, I thank you. ”
ContextZendaya, the youngest woman and second Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama, in her acceptance speech during a summer of protest.
Their StoryAmerican actor who became the youngest woman ever, and the second Black woman, to win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, for her role in 'Euphoria', a win she repeated in 2022.Her Emmy acceptance speeches are direct primary sources.See Their Full Story
“ Language brings with it an identity and a culture, or at least the perception of it. A shared language says 'We're the same.' A language barrier says 'We're different.' ”
“ I remember when I decided to be open about my own personal mental health, it was scary to be that vulnerable and I didn't ever want anyone to think I am a victim. I thought by sharing my own story I could help others. ”
EntertainmentMale Role ModelsDisabledHe / Him · Pronounced: KRIS-tuh-fer REEV
He / Him · Pronounced: KRIS-tuh-fer REEV
Source: Still Me, autobiography · original link to be verified
ContextReeve, paralysed after a horse-riding accident in 1995, redefining heroism away from physical feats and towards endurance.Read More: Disability Rights
Widely credited to this person; primary source not yet confirmed.
ContextBaker, an entertainer who became a civil-rights figure and wartime Resistance agent, on a life given to performance.Read More: LGBTQ+ Voices
Their StoryMissouri-born entertainer who became one of France's most celebrated performers, taking Paris by storm in the 1920s. During the Second World War she worked with the French Resistance, smuggling coded messages hidden in her sheet music, and was later awarded the Croix de guerre. In 1963 she stood on the podium at the March on Washington as the only official female speaker.Her memoirs and the biography by Jean-Claude Baker are the fullest primary sources.See Their Full Story
ContextCrews, who has spoken openly about surviving sexual assault, on redefining strength as honesty rather than hardness. Included as both a role model and an ally standing with survivors.
EntertainmentMale Role ModelsHe / Him · Pronounced: FRED ROJ-erz
He / Him · Pronounced: FRED ROJ-erz
Source: Widely attributed to Rogers; exact original context to be confirmed · original link to be verified
Widely credited to this person; primary source not yet confirmed.
ContextRogers spent decades modelling gentleness and patience to children on Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, at a time when that wasn't seen as a masculine trait.
Widely credited to this person; primary source not yet confirmed.
ContextZendaya on why on-screen representation matters to young viewers.
Their StoryAmerican actor who became the youngest woman ever, and the second Black woman, to win the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, for her role in 'Euphoria', a win she repeated in 2022.Her Emmy acceptance speeches are direct primary sources.See Their Full Story
“ I hope it's a bit of a love letter to everyone who feels different, who feels out of place, to all of the Black women who have walked into rooms and felt like they haven't been welcomed. ”