The 2022 Emmy awards night was one to remember. From the historic nominations to fashion to the skits and the wins. But, there was one win of the night that brought me to tears and reminded me that there is purpose in my journey. “And the Emmy goes to… Sheryl Lee Ralph.”

 

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When I originally watched her speech I broke down in tears. I couldn’t understand why this was so moving to me, but just that I was literally leaking from my eye sockets. After watching this a few more times it hit me. I see myself in Sheryl.

I have been working in my career for years and have often felt like I do tons of hard work to not even get half of the recognition I felt I deserved. I have often checked myself for this because of how entitled it seems but I have to realize the times I live in.

In the day and age where social media is easily accessible and everyone is only posting their highlight reels, its hard to not feel like you’re falling behind your peers. For me however, these instances constantly have me turning to believe that I do not belong in my field and that maybe I’m wasting my time doing what I’m doing.

Not Giving Up

This was all until last night when Sheryl won that award. To think that she had a staple in Black households for years but she never received an award until she was 65 is astounding. She never gave up and that resonated with me.

I often try to remind myself that everyone’s path is different but it can be difficult to convince yourself of that when you don’t see it in real time. For example, we know that Oprah didn’t get her show until she was 32 (and didn’t really become a nationwide sensation until years later) but this all happened before I was even born.

To see the outcome of someone’s journey before my eyes proves to me that there is power in patience. Although I may not be receiving the things I want right now, that doesn’t mean I won’t ever get them– and even get 10 times more than what I originally wanted.

Anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream…couldn’t come true. I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like. This is what striving looks like. And don’t you ever, ever give up on you.

Black Women Uplifting Black Women

Quinta Brunson. That’s it. That’s the sentence.

Her goal was to get Sheryl an Emmy and she did just that. This is a testament to how powerful community and sisterhood is. All you need is the right people to believe in you and you will go far. Personally, I know I have an amazing support system and I try to tell them as often as I can that I appreciate them. Without them I wouldn’t have even made it to this point in my life now. Sheryl has had the same.

In her speech she acknowledged the people who believed in her throughout her career, from her kids to her family and friends, she touched on how strong they made her feel throughout her journey. I realized then that this is all you need; people in your corner.

 

Having a Quinta in my corner and being a Quinta for someone else. Truly the goals to live by.

Sheryl, thank you for giving me hope. Thank you for reminding me that nothing amazing comes overnight. Thank you for reminding us that if it’s meant for us to be seen, we will be seen. Your legacy is already written.

Abbott Elementary , Emmys , quinta brunson , Sheryl Lee Ralph