Musical Magnificence
Known as one of the best-selling recording artists of all time, this diva won over 20 music awards for her first self-titled album which was released in 1985. Her most popular song was featured in the movie “The Bodyguard”.
Whitney Houston
Stephanie Mills rose to stardom when she originated the role of "Dorothy" in this 1974 musical.
The Wiz
After her career was revived with her role in the movie Ghost, she became the first African American woman to host the Academy Awards in 1994.
Whoopi Goldberg
Debbie Allen produced and directed this comedy series about students at a fictional HBCU, Hillman College
A Different World
Singer, businesswoman, fashion designer, actress, and philanthropist, this diva does it all! She is also known for her popular fashion brand “Fenty”.
Rihanna
“The Queen of Funk”, this diva released her first solo album in 1978 after leaving the music group “Rufus”
Chaka Khan
Known for originating the role of Deloris Van Cartier in a West End production of Sister Act, this actress won her first Tony in the Broadway revival of Pippin
A starlet of classic Hollywood films like Stormy Weather and The Duke Is Tops, she also made an appearance as Glinda in The Wiz (1978)
Lena Horne
Shonda Rhimes is known as the showrunner, creator, head writer, and executive producer of this popular ABC medical drama series.
Grey's Anatomy
One of the most sought-after fashion models of the 1970s and 1980s, this diva became a successful business executive in the 1990s with her own line of cosmetics, and later married David Bowie.
Iman
Known for her iconic five octave voice range, this diva has won five Grammy Awards, 19 World Music Awards, and 21 Billboard Music Awards
Mariah Carey
This 2020 winner for Best Actress in a Musical made her Broadway debut in 2012 in Bring It On.
Adrienne Warren
Actor, singer, and comedian Hattie McDaniel became the first African American to win this prestigious award in 1939.
Academy Award (Oscar)
This director wrote the screenplay for Queen and Slim, and is the creator and current executive producer for The Chi.
Lena Waithe
On top of modeling, this diva also has some experience working as an actor. She appeared in the 2019 film, Goldie, in which she played the title character.
Slick Woods
Before her rap career blew up, this Barbie girl pursued acting and was cast in the off-Broadway play In Case You Forget
Nicki Minaj
Known for her distinct soprano voice, this actress won her first award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical for her performance in Carousel at the 1994 Tony Awards.
Audra McDonald
This Baltimore native Set It Off as an actress first then formed her rock group Wicked Wisdom in 2002.
Jada Pinkett Smith
She directed the popular films Eve’s Bayou, The Caveman’s Valentine & Harriet.
Kasi Lemmons
In the early 90's she was part of the first elite group of "supermodels" and in 1991 became the first black model to appear on the cover of Time magazine
Naomi Campbell
She recorded "Hound Dog" and "Ball 'n Chain" long before Elvis or Janis Joplin did
Big Mama Thornton
This actress won a Tony for Leading Actress in a Musical for her work in Hallelujah Baby
Leslie Uggams
This beloved actress passed in 2021 after a career spanning more than 7 decades. During that career she was awarded many awards including an Emmy for Best Lead Actress in a Drama for the Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman and that same year a Special Emmy for Actress of the Year.
Cicely Tyson
In 2012, this director won a NAACP Image award for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series for the popular television series, The Game
Mara Brock Akil
This fashion stylist is known for finding the flyest threads for 90’s artists such as Mary J. Blige and Lil’ Kim.
Misa Hylton