Setting the bar...

When any type of person wins an award they set themselves/face at that high standard for that category. When they achieve that standard they in turn become what people in that same category want as the pinnacle of achievement in that category...

When an African American actor such as Denzel Washington wins and Academy Award he is now the pinnacle for achievement for acting. Even though many actors/actress have won best actor people by nature often relate to whom they are most similar, and largely the African American community relate to Denzel Washington as the pinnacle of achievement.

I think this relationship is important because it lets aspiring actors or the African American community that being black and the Academy Award Winner for Best Actor is a possible achievement. It would be nice to say that this is obvious and of course it was possible but seeing is believing and having that inspiration is an invaluable asset to the African American community.