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Viola Davis and her husband Julius Tennon’s production company have signed a first-look feature production deal with Amazon Studios. But the good news doesn’t stop there. For their first project, Davis is set to produce and star in Amazon Studios’ upcoming film “The Fighting Shirley Chisholm.”
The film will chronicle the nation’s first Black congresswoman’s journey to her historic 1972 presidential run. Her decision made her the first Black person and woman to seek a major political party’s nomination for president of the United States. Chisholm went on to pave the way for generations of Black women to get involved in all levels of politics.
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When Davis made history as the first Black woman to win an Emmy for lead actress in a drama series in 2015, part of her memorable acceptance speech basically called Hollywood out for their lack of viable roles for actors of color.
“You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there,” shared Davis. After making this courageous declaration, she also used this as motivation to start her own production company, JuVee Productions.
“We started this company with a fierce commitment to integrity and the encouragement of emerging and/or established artists who have the courage and talent to be disruptors, the couple said in a statement. “We are thrilled that we can continue to share our vision on a global scale alongside Amazon Studios. It is our legacy.”