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Tracee Ellis Ross Makes Golden Globes History, Dedicates Win To “Women of Color”

It’s one for the history books!

Tracee Ellis Ross made history during the 74th annual Golden Globes last night when she won the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy — making her the first black woman to achieve that honor in 35 years.

The 44-year-old accepted her award — for her role as Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson in ABC’s hit series Black-ish — wearing a strapless midi gown by designer Zuhair Murad. The daughter of legendary singer Diana Ross sparkled onstage in the silver beaded ensemble as she made an inspiring speech, dedicating her historic win to people of color.

tracee ellis ross golden globes getty

“This is for all the women, women of color, and colorful people whose stories, ideas, [and] thoughts are not always considered worthy and valid and important,” Tracee said during her speech. “I want you to know that I see you, we see you.”

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Actress Debbie Allen was the last woman of color to receive the award for Best Actress in a TV Comedy for her role as Lydia Grant in the NBC series Fame at the 1983 awards ceremony. A black woman hasn’t been nominated in the category since 1985, when Nell Carter received a nod for her role in NBC’s Gimme a Break!

With her historic win, Tracee joined ranks with her famous mom, who is also a Golden Globes winner. The 72-year-old won the New Star of the Year award in 1973 for her part in Lady Sings the Blues. Following her win, Tracee confessed her mother’s stardom has never interfered with her own success.

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“I never felt like I was in my mother’s shadow,” she told Variety backstage. “I always felt like I was in my mother’s embrace.”

Tracee beat out actresses Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Veep), Sarah Jessica Parker (Divorce), Issa Rae (Insecure), Gina Rodriguez (Jane the Virgin), and Rachel Bloom (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) in her category at last night’s Golden Globes.

Scroll through the gallery below to see more stars on the 74th Annual Golden Globes red carpet!