At Emmys, Debbie Allen tells women ‘from Texas to Afghanistan’ to ‘claim your power’

While accepting the prestigious Governors Award at the 2021 Emmys ceremony Sunday night, dance legend Debbie Allen had a message for women and young people worldwide.

“From Texas to Afghanistan ... it is time for you to claim your power, claim your voice, sing your song, tell your stories,� Allen said, alluding to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Taliban-conquered Afghanistan and recent anti-abortion legislation in Texas.

“It will make us a better place. Your turn.�

Allen made Emmys history over the weekend as the first Black woman to receive the Governors Award.

After receiving a standing ovation — as well as individual tributes from the likes of director Ava DuVernay, actor Jada Pinkett Smith and other Hollywood peers — the “Fame� star thanked “everybody who’s given me an opportunity to become Debbie Allen,� including one of her most famous dance pupils, late Lakers icon Kobe Bryant.

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Sept. 19, 2021

Allen also offered shoutouts to filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who directed the 1997 film “Amistad,� on which she was a producer, and TV producer Shonda Rhimes, who collaborated with her on the medical drama “Grey’s Anatomy.�

During her 40-plus years in the entertainment industry, Allen has become best known for her standout TV turns in “Fame� and “Grey’s Anatomy,� as well as her renowned and inspirational work as a dancer, choreographer and philanthropist.

“I am trembling with gratitude and grace,� Allen continued in her emotional speech.

“I’m trying not to cry and be equal to the situation, because it’s been many years in the making — taking a lot of courage to be the only woman in the room most of the time. A lot of courage and creativity and faith to believe that I could keep going, and I have.�