Viola Davis made history by being the first African-American woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series on Sunday night at the 67th annual Emmy Awards ceremony.

Davis stars in the hit show “How to Get Away with Murder” as Annalise Keating. The show is written and produced by Shonda Rhimes. 

Davis was stunned when she heard her name called for the award. She opened her speech by quoting abolitionist Harriet Tubman.

“In my mind, I see a line, and over that line I see green fields and lovely flowers and beautiful white women with their arms stretched out to me over that line, but I can’t seem to get there no how, I can’t seem to get over that line,” Davis said.

Davis’ fellow African-American actresses Kerry Washington and Taraji P. Henson were teary-eyed and emotional.

“You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there,” Davis said.

An emotional Davis went on to thank other African-American actresses Washington, Henson, Meagan Good and Gabrielle Union.

“Thank you for taking us over that line,” Davis said.

To watch Davis’ Emmy speech, click here.