Read and Watch Michaela Coel's Inspirational Emmy Speech
Michaela Coel had wise words for us all.
Last night, writer/actor/director Michaela Coel accepted the Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie during the 73rd Emmy Awards.
It was the first time a woman of color won such an award. While that's a huge achievement in its own right, what happened on stage was a landmark Emmy speech that should never be forgotten.
The Emmys have been dinged for their lack of diversity and resistance to new voices over the years. But last night, when Coel got on stage, it was a win not only for people of color but for artists everywhere.
Coel's words were poignant, done within the time, and left everyone marveling.
Check out this video clip and read her speech below.
Those powerful words are an inspiration to us all. They get right at the very heart of what it means to be a writer. I saw Twitter ablaze with people who wanted to type out this speech and tape it above their writing stations. Well, I saved you the trouble. You can copy and paste it and use it as you see fit.
"I just wrote a little something, for writers, really. Write the tale that scares you, that makes you feel uncertain, that isn't comfortable. I dare you. In a world that entices us to browse through the lives of others to help us better determine how we feel about ourselves, and to in turn feel the need to be constantly visible, for visibility these days seems to somehow equate to success—do not be afraid to disappear. From it. From us. For a while. And see what comes to you in the silence. I dedicate this story to every single survivor of sexual assault. Thank you."
I can't wait to see what she inspires in all of our readers. Challenge yourselves to write about the stuff that scares you. See past the noise and focus on how your words mean something to this world and to yourself.
Let us know what you think in the comments.
