The dangers of being Black in America are an all-too-familiar reality for millions of families that have lost loved ones at the hands of race-motivated violence. But being Black holds such power, grace, will, and resilience that it has to be celebrated. The many accomplishments that have transpired over hundreds of years aren't the only ones to highlight.
Today — perhaps especially today — while we are all bogged down by tragedy, it is important to remember and celebrate the modern accomplishments Black people continue to achieve. Why? Because we are more than a tragic statistic.
Here are 15 recent moments in Black History that were a huge win for the Black community, and are all worth hyping up.
My Forever POTUS & FLOTUS
The show stoppers at the 2021 Inauguration Day were definitely Barack and Michelle Obama. No matter who gets elected into office, they will always be our forever first family. And Michelle turned heads as always, being the fashion icon that she is in her cranberry ensemble. Their Black excellence speaks for itself.
Stacey Abrams' Nobel Peace Prize Nomination
Stacey Abrams has the drive of a million souls. Her will to keep going, striving, and making a difference is what separates her from the rest. Seeing her work diligently in the run-off election was pure Black joy. Abrams is so deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize nomination because she not only wants to see a difference, she actually is hands-on in making that difference come to fruition.
Black Lives Matter Movement While Unfortunate, Brought Unity
The Black Lives Matter Movement has been such a bittersweet experience. The unity is beautiful, as Black people, we're together expressing ourselves and having our voices heard; but contrarily our people are dying and the suffering, just as in times of slavery, is so heavy. The whole world is rallying together, some are in support and some aren't; but Black Lives Matter is going strong and making a huge difference. This is Black joy to me because it reminds me of the Black Panthers, and marching in the times of Dr. Martin Luther King. I am in full support of peaceful protests, meetings with the higher-ups, and justice for so many people that have passed on. Black Lives Matter. Unity is Key.
Raphael Warnock Becomes Georgia's First Black Senator
Raphael Warnock made history by becoming the first Black senator for Georgia. It was especially impactful when he disclosed a heartwarming statement about his mother: "The other day, because this is America, the 82-year-old hands that used to pick somebody else's cotton went to the polls and picked her youngest son to be a United States senator."
The significance in his word choice and the reality of America is uncanny. For his mom to live through poverty is one thing; but now be able to vote for her son to be a part of American history has to be a phenomenal feeling.
There has been a lot of Black excellence and a lot of firsts being made, and that brings about a lot of hope, especially for the youth. For once, they have something to look forward to, and something to believe in.
NASA Renames Headquarters After Mary W. Jackson
In 2020 the Hidden Figures honoree had the NASA headquarters in Washington, DC, named after her as the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters. What a legendary accolade for Mary W. Jackson, the first Black female NASA engineer. This is Black excellence at its finest, as her accomplishments as a mathematician and aerospace engineer at NASA happened during segregation. Even with those odds, she managed to push past it and create an amazing legacy. She even had a satellite named after her on November 6, 2020, named NuSat 17 or "Mary," which was launched into space. True Black joy is inspiring the masses even after you're long gone, and Mary has successfully done that.
Amanda Gorman's History-Breaking Poetry at the Presidential Inauguration
Amanda Gorman showcased her Black girl magic for the world to see at the presidential inauguration. At 22 years old, she delivered an awe-striking recital of poetry, and also became the youngest to do so at an inauguration. Although she struggles with a speech impediment, nothing could stop her from shining on that special day. Such Black joy is executed when you get to see someone walk in their truth and own it. Amanda is an inspiration for so many young girls with or without disabilities. You aren't your disability, it's all about how you choose to live with it.
Nia DaCosta is the First Black Woman To Direct a Marvel Film
Nia DaCosta is making major moves, but before landing such a huge opportunity with Marvel Studios she'd only released one movie in theaters. Disney’s Marvel Studios sought Nia to direct the Captain Marvel sequel, The Marvels, which is slated to be released in 2023, making her the first Black female director to shoot a Marvel production. Not only that, but in 2021, she became the first Black woman director to debut a film at No. 1, with Candyman.
This goes to show that age and experience don’t define a person's destiny. Nia is just getting started, and many great opportunities are sure to flourish in the future. And if you didn't know, women can do anything men can, and more often than not, we do it better!
President Obama Honors Maya Angelou, John Lewis, & Bill Russell With the Presidential Medal of Freedom
On February 15, 2011, then-President Barack Obama awarded author, activist, and poet Maya Angelou, congressman and civil rights icon John Lewis, and Boston Celtic great Bill Russell with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country's highest civilian honor. I found it astounding that Obama stated that they were "the best of who we are and who we aspire to be." It's a beautiful thing when you can give people flowers while they can still smell them. All three have since died. There are many greats that have contributed so much to our lives, so it was commendable for Obama to celebrate them and let them know how much they were appreciated.
Nicholas Johnson Became Princeton’s First Black Valedictorian
Nicholas Johnson of Montreal, Canada, has cemented himself in history by becoming the first Black valedictorian at Princeton University. But Johnson isn't stopping there, he graduated from Princeton in the spring of 2020, and is currently earning a doctorate in operations research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Black men are often targeted and typecast, but Nicholas is showing that anyone can thrive and break down barriers by using their brain and staying the course. And at such a young age, the possibilities are endless!
The First Virtual 2020 BET Awards
The BET Network took a chance and produced the first virtual awards show. And the best part is, it was a success! The worldwide health crisis altered everything, but the network didn't want to skip its award show, so it improvised. The 2020 BET Awards show starred some of the best acts from Summer Walker, Da Baby, Megan Thee Stallion, and Roddy Ricch.
The show went off smoothly. The production showcased the artists in different settings and gave it more of a "film feel," which ultimately allowed for more creativity and entertainment for its viewership. That Black excellence just won't let up!
Black Barbies for Black History Month
It's been over four decades since the first Black fashion Barbie Doll was introduced, but present-day Black Barbies have a new look and appreciation. As of 2020 Black History Month, there's a Barbie Doll for Ella Fitzgerald, Rosa Parks, and Katherine Johnson. These women were pioneers, women with voices, and heroes.
This is what Black joy is all about, celebrating the success of our people, and the many accomplishments that have paved the way for generations to come. What a proud moment it is to see Black women in power honored, but even more to show young Black girls that they too can become a Black woman in power.
Kamala Harris Elected the First Black, Asian, & Female Vice President
Kamala Harris made history as not only the first Black and Asian vice president but also a woman! This is legendary status, and as a Black woman myself, I couldn't be more proud. Harris is giving all of Black youth in the world inspiration to strive to be whatever it is they desire. As the years pass, Black faces are now everywhere in high positions, and we can celebrate our talents, lineage, and magic. We are mighty and are fully capable of amassing our wildest dreams. It is possible. It can be done.
Marsai Martin Is the Youngest Executive Producer in History
At 15, Marsai Martin became the youngest in charge. In fact, she accomplished something even most 30-somethings haven't. Martin went from acting at 10 for a TV comedy, to starring in An American Girl Story at 13, to starring in and executive producing Little. At this rate, her resume will be extremely long by the time she reaches 21. Now, she's launched her own line of reusable press-on nails and nail care products. Black girls rock and that's not debatable!
Cheick Camara & Ermias Tadesse Create BlackGen Capital for Financial Literacy
Co-founders Cheick Camara and Ermias Tadesse launched the first minority-owned investment fund, BlackGen Capital, at the young age of 20. This is Cornell University’s first Black investment fund. These guys are trailblazers, and are going to help out the Black community for generations to come. Their overall goal is to educate Black people on financial literacy, and provide resources that can equip students with internships. They can also learn to invest and budget. These are all essentials that I personally believe should be taught in high school. When was the last time the Pythagorean theorem paid the rent?
The Grammys celebrates 50 Years of Hip-Hop.
Hip Hop fans are celebrating the ever-evolving musical genre's 50th anniversary in 2023, and to kick off the momentous occasion, more than two dozen hip hop artists took to the Grammys stage in February, including Grandmaster Flash, Queen Latifah, LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, Method Man, and Lil Wayne.
While hip-hop has transcended genres and is largely considered pop music these days — and it's certainly not strictly a Black music genre — Black artists created hip-hop and continue to push the genre forward. It was absolutely beautiful to see so many artists celebrated for their contributions to American music all on one stage.
