While the heat of the Civil Rights Movement was hottest in America over forty five years ago, it has taken a long time for the heat to die down. Hollywood has proved to be no exception and people of color, especially women of color, have only just recently started to see their fortunes turn as more roles open up to them. There are many successful black actresses in today's ruthless acting market, some have helped to build bridges and pave the way for the up and coming talent, and others are helping to define a new trend.

Nichelle Nichols
Born on December twenty eighth, 1932, Nichelle Nichols incidentally became a figure head for black females during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement. Her most famous acting role was Lieutenant Uhura in the famous television series Star Trek where her large role provided ample screen time as a superior and equal to her white counterparts. Martin Luther King Jr. requested that Nichols stay on with Star Trek to aid the CRM when she voiced concerns about leaving the show. Nichols and William Shatner would go on to break down a major barrier when they shared the first interracial kiss on United States Television.

Halle Berry
This iconic actress slogged her way through the depths of acting hell, even becoming homeless at one point, on her quest for fame and fortune. Starting out as a model in Chicago in 1980, Berry got on a local cable show and had ups and downs until 1991 when Spike Lee casted her with a small role in Jungle Fever. Berry's

stunning looks and talent would lead her on to bigger and bigger roles in her successful career. She has been nominated and won multiple awards and has been praised for showing that talent and determination are a larger factor than skin color in Hollywood.

Octavia Spencer
An actress with unassuming looks can find the acting world a cruel place, but Octavia Spencer backs herself up with powerful performances. Playing odd roles in block busters like Spider-Man and Seven Pounds starring alongside acting sensation Will Smith, Spencer had her real breakout performance last year in The Help. As a supporting role, Spencer's character Minny Jackson is an assertive maid that steals the hearts of audience members. Spencer won numerous awards from this performance, including an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

There is not enough time nor words to list the many black actresses that have pushed the limits that society placed on them. Time and time again they break through and challenge an indoctrinated society that is all too comfortable with accepting and reinforcing stereotypes. It is time for the next generation of actors and actresses to take up the rains and continue to challenge and push the envelope of what is deemed appropriate or accessible. Actresses like Halle Berry
, Nichelle Nichols, and Octavia spencer have helped to redefine gender and racial roles which has helped pave the way for aspiring actresses the world over.