To commemorate MLK Jr. Day, and because it's an excuse to write about beautiful women, I made a list of the 11 black actresses who make me sit up and take notice when they're on screen. (Alas, none of them are openly gay, but I've tried not to hold that against them.) You may be surprised that some of the usual suspects — like Halle Berry and Jada Pinkett Smith — aren't here. I've got nothing against them, and often enjoy their performances, they just aren't among my favorites. Feel free to tell me why I'm crazy for leaving them or someone else off the list in the comments (and I know you will!).

11. Vivica Fox

Whether she's playing a bank robber in Set It Off (1996), a woman on a mission in Independence Day (1996), the responsible older sister on Soul Food (1997) or an FBI agent role on two seasons of the poorly named Lifetime drama 1-800-Missing (2004-2006), Vivica leaves a strong impression. And she has a cool name.

We just won't mention Booty Call (1997) or Boat Trip (2002).

10. Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle first caught my attention in Bring It On (2000) — no easy feat considering the strength of that cast overall (Eliza Dushku! Kirsten Dunst! Eliza Dushku!). Some of her roles since then have annoyed me (most notably, her star turn as a stereotypical controlling bitch in Deliver Us From Evie), but as a general rule, I pay attention when she's on screen.

And I loved her guest appearance in Friends in 2001, where Ross and Joey fight over her so ridiculously that she finally shuns them both. She should have hooked up with Rachel instead. … continue reading