If you read this blog from time to time you know I often bring up the lack of quality roles for black actresses on both the big and large screen. Well, a few sisters that are working in television are turning in stellar performances—and they’re hard work is actually being recognized. That’s why six sisters have been nominated for Emmy Awards. I can’t recall a time when so many of us have gotten the nod at one time. No, you can’t count the NAACP Image Awards.

Anyway, the following fierce and fabulous sisters are the stand-outs:
Phylicia Rashad for her excellent turn as Lena Younger, the determined mother to Diddy (or should I say Sean Combs) in ABC’s version of Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun

Her castmate, Audra McDonald, who plays Walter’s long-suffering wife, Ruth, has also been recognized for her flawless portrayal. (Okay, so maybe the Emmy people got a hint already from the Tony Awards a few years ago).

Alfre Woodard, who’s time on Wisteria Lane was so bizarre, gets a nod for the miniseries Pictures of Hollis Woods. Did anyone see this?

As for regular series television, we can count on Shondra Rhimes to create strong black characters on Grey’s Anatomy for both the cast and the guest stars. That’s why Chandra Wilson (who’s already one once) gets another turn in the spotlight. This time, she’s joined by the legend Ms. Diahann Carroll, who is up for her guest performance.

Finally, Vanessa Williams, gets recognized for her over-the-topness (yeah, that’s not a word but it describes he deliciously camp perfomances so well) on Ugly Betty. Who knew when she was crowned Miss America way back in the 80s and then was dethroned by a scandal that she would rise like a Phoenix. She continues to amaze me and to define what a comeback story really is.

So join me in giving these sisters a hand.