HERstory: Cicely Tyson

For her contributions to the stage, cinema, television and Black culture overall, Tyson was honored at the 2011 BET Honors, where she was presented the award for theatrical arts by Tyler Perry. "I want you all to know that the only reason I'm standing here at this moment in time is because of the support over the decades of the many civil rights organizations, the churches, the schools, the people throughout the world who have allowed me to stand not on their shoulders, but on their backs," she said emotionally.

 

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