North Carolina features a slew of cultural diversity and talent. The cultural hub has nurtured several influential Black women celebrities who have made substantial impacts in the entertainment industry. From riveting performances onscreen to inspiring musical endeavors, these celebrities showcase an impressive range of capabilities and creativity. Here are six famous Black women who hail fare from the vibrant state of North Carolina.

Madison Bailey

Born in Kernersville, North Carolina, Madison Bailey is a talented actress. Her most popular role is on Netflix’s “Outer Banks,” where she stars as Kiara The series focuses on a group of teens on the hunt for opulent treasure. Bailey has starred on the show since its release in 2020. Simply being a part of the show, the actress is able to rep her native city. The hit Netflix show is set in North Carolina. 

“As someone who believes in divine timing, there’s something that feels so kismet about it,” Bailey told Axios Charlotte in 2024, when asked about filming in North Carolina. “I love my state and I’m really proud and happy to be [on the show].” 

Ariana DeBose

Ariana DeBose is a star and seems to be made for the center stage. The actress has starred in “Hamilton” on Broadway, the musical film “West Side Story,” and Disney’s animation feature “Wish.” Born in Wake County, North Carolina, DeBose participated in CC and Company Dance Complex, along with the North Carolina Theatre as a child. The North Carolina native made history after winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2022. She also made history as the first openly queer woman of color to win an Oscar. 

Fantasia Barrino

Fantasia Barrino encompasses powerful vocal abilities and chart-topping soulful hits to match. The singer, who hails from High Point, North Carolina, rose to fame after winning “American Idol” in 2004. At the time, the star was just 19 years old. Her music catalog includes several albums and top songs, including “When I See You,” “Truth Is” and “Enough.”

In 2024, she appeared on the big screen in the latest film adaptation of Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple.” The film also featured actresses Danielle Brooks, Taraji P. Henson and Halle Bailey. Barrino earned a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of the character Celie in the film. The actress and musician’s North Carolina bond runs deep. Barrino’s husband, Kendall Taylor, who she wed in 2015, is also from North Carolina. 

Shirley Caesar

Shirley Caesar is one of the greatest gospel singers of all time, and the songstress hails from North Carolina. Raised in Durham, North Carolina, Caesar began singing at the age of 10 years old. The gospel singer has made great strides in the spiritual genre,  including winning the “Traditional Gospel Album of the Year” Award 12 times, along with multiple Grammy Awards. In 1983, Caesar joined her husband Bishop Harold I Williams as co-pastor of Mt. Calvary Holy Church, which is based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 

Jackée Harry

Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Jackée Harry is a seasoned actress who is known for her humorous roles. From 1985 to 1989, she played the witty, sassy Sandra Clark on the NBC sitcom “227.” During the 1987 Emmy Awards, Harry was the first Black actress to win the award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. 

“I wasn’t aware that I could win or would win because I wasn’t thinking that way,” she told PEOPLE in February 2024 when asked about the historic win. “I was coming in hot — I knew that! But I didn’t fully appreciate the scope. It was happening to me; I was observing it. In retrospect, now I know how important it was, but I didn’t see it coming at all — but I did see success.”.

Later, in 1994, Harry starred alongside twins Tia and Tamera Mowry as Lisa Landry on the ABC/The WB sitcom “Sister, Sister.”