In truth, the night of the 2016 Tony Awards was overcast with sorrow from the senseless tragedies that occurred in Orlando, Florida. James Corden and Broadway’s elite managed to reassure the nation that in the midst of darkness, light can be found. My heart jumped for joy seeing the abundance of people of color being recognized for their accomplishments. My favorite moment of the night was when Renée Elise Goldsberry won the Tony for best featured actress for her performance in the hit musical ‘Hamilton.’ I first came to know Renée as Evangeline Williamson during her time on the soap opera ‘One Life to Live.’ Rarely had I seen women of color on television that looked like me or talked like me so I was hooked solely for her story line. Not even realizing it until today, we attended the same high school Cranbrook-Kingswood (years apart) and were a part of the ‘Madrigals’ ensemble which she cited as having a big influence on her. To top that off, Renée also attended the same college as me, Carnegie Mellon University, which for some reason makes me proud to have unknowingly followed a path blazed by someone I admired so much. Congratulations to Renée and congratulations to Leslie Odom, Jr., who is also a Carnegie Mellon Alumn and snagged a Tony award that evening. Now I know I must see ‘Hamilton.’