Legendary member of Sigma Gamma Rho mentioned in Oscar Speech

Tonight, was a spectacular night for the movie "Precious" and all that were involved in bringing it into fruition. At the 82nd annual Oscar ceremony, Monique was awarded Best Supporting Actress for her role as the mother in "Precious". She gracefully made her way to the stage to accept the award and offered a succinct but impactful speech. In that speech she thanked Soror Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American woman to win an Oscar.

"I would like to thank Miss Hattie McDaniel for enduring all that she had to so I would not have to."

In those few words Monique acknowledged the enormous struggle that black actresses and actors were faced with in early Hollywood (and still face today). Soror Hattie McDaniel dealt with a great deal of racism on and off the set. McDaniel had to compete heavily for every role that she landed while only receiving credit for 80 roles out of the 300 she played. She endured a great deal of criticism from the NAACP for playing maids. Soror McDaniel battled (and won) against racist homeowners who wished to keep wealthy African-Americans out of their neighborhood. But, despite all of the adversity, Hattie McDaniel went on to pave the way for Halle Berry, Denzel Washington, and now Monique, as she claimed victory at the Oscars in 1940.

70 years later, the members of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc. sign on with Lionsgate to promote a touching film that would illuminate domestic violence, abuse, illiteracy and other social issues within struggling communities in order to bring about awareness and change. That film would feature Monique, Gabourey Sidibe, and a list of other great talents. Monique would move on to win an Oscar and thank the prominent member of that very same philanthropic organization. This is a true and shining example of the motto we hold dear "Greater Service, Greater Progress"