The year 2024 is finally coming to a close, and for the culture, there are many moments that we rallied behind and others that left us grieving. There were ground breaking and heart breaking results in politics, sports, entertainment and everything in between.
This year was filled with triumph and challenge, but like we always do, we prevailed. Let us all reflect on the memories and confront some issues that need to be worked on as a community. Here are a few key moments that defined Black culture in 2024.
Katt Williams Opens Theoretical “Portal” of Chaos
The viral interview, that some say, kicked the year into chaos was one to remember. Williams appeared on “Club Shay Shay” a few days into 2024 and it all went downhill from there. He went down the list of all his friends and foes he’s dealt with in the entertainment industry and lowkey predicted the downfall of many big names in the game, including Diddy.
Kamala Harris Announces Her Historic Bid In the Presidential Election
Without question, Kamala Harris’ campaign will always be remembered as one of the most legendary campaigns in presidential history, despite what critics say. The possibility of having the first Black, female president was so sweet we could almost taste it. From raising a record $81 million in a span of 24 hours and reaching $1 billion in total for her campaign, to articulately destroying Trump in the debate. The campaign run was an emotional rollercoaster and Vice President Harris had all the odds stacked against her. But, she persevered through it all with a fresh silk press and a contagious, giddy laugh.
Donald Trump Wins the Presidential Election
Every Black person in America will always remember where they were when Donald Trump was announced the 47th President of the United States. Shock, anger and despair were a few emotions that were ringing throughout the community. But… we will always walk away from this knowing that the 78% and 92% of Black men and women who voted for Vice President Harris were on the right side of history.
The Famed Drake and Kendrick Beef
Now this one may not have been a highlight for Drake, but in the rap world, it was refreshing to see. Rap has always been an aggressive art form used to express our angst within our community and personal lives. But, Kendrick made a fair point in acknowledging how rappers have strayed from their roots. Instead, K-Dot reminded us that rappers must always remain authentic to who they are and where they came from.
Beyoncé Drops Cowboy Carter
In a swift shift of Beyoncé prior discography, she made the executive decision to tap into Black people’s country music roots. This album was iconic for many reasons. One of those reasons is it reminded Black people that we are the creators for all things popular, especially in the music industry. Almost every music genre you can think of from R&B, Rock and Roll, Pop and Country music all have been created because of Black people. So, everyone say thank you Beyoncé for reminding us who we are and putting other artists in the limelight!
The Downfall of Diddy
Sean “Diddy” Combs has faced a major unraveling of his public and professional life following a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, Cassie Ventura in November of 2023. The singer accused Diddy of years of physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and her decision to come forward set off a domino effect of similar allegations from other victims. As a result, Diddy’s career, once built on his success in the rap game quickly crumbled as his homes were raided, financial ventures ruined and support dwindling. Diddy has spent a majority of the year at the Metropolitan Detention Center in New York City with charges of sex trafficking, racketeering and more.
Black Women Dominated the Olympics
Black women did not come to play at this year’s Paris Olympics. Women overall won 60% of Team USA’s gold medals and Black women helped tremendously with that. Sha’Carri Richardson had her comeback. Simone Biles excelled as she always does. Gabby Thomas, Coco Gauff, Tara Davis-Woodhall, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Masai Russell and so many more Black women dominated their respective events. Oh yeah, and in Black people’s households, Jordan Chiles is still a bronze medalist!
Mike Tyson and Jake Paul Fight
For this to happen right after the election was overkill for Black people. After Mike Tyson lost to Jake Paul of all people, it seemed like Black people were being kicked while they were down.
Kendrick Lamar Set to Perform at the Super Bowl
Kendrick Lamar had a victorious year after being selected to headline the halftime show at the 2025 Super Bowl. Although, this announcement was another blow to Drake, K-Dot will be the first rapper ever to headline. The decision generated a lot of love and was unfortunately, overshadowed by hate. However, Lamar’s fans are eager to see how he will show up for this momentous occasion.
Lil Wayne’s Reaction to Kendrick Performing at the Super Bowl
Speaking of being overshadowed, Lil Wayne took time to speak out about the announcement and was devastated to hear Kendrick Lamar was “chosen over him.” Since the game is being hosted in Wayne’s hometown city he thought it was only right for him to perform. The rapper also said that it was always a goal of his to perform at the Super Bowl. This launched thousands of think pieces about whether or not Wayne was right to point that out instead of simply saying, “Congratulations.” Wayne has reached out to Kendrick after name dropping Wayne on his newest album, “GNX” on the track, “Wacced Out Murals,” but K-Dot has yet to respond.
50 Cent Closes Out Power Book II: Ghost
Now this one is a little bittersweet. We all will love and miss the “Power Book II: Ghost,” the original “Power” and all the antics that went on. But, it was a good thing and Fifty decided it was time for it to end. However, Ghost is still alive in our minds!
Denzel Washington Sparks Retirement Rumors
The legendary actor, Denzel Washington, shocked us all when he revealed he would be stepping back from acting. The 69-year-old Icon, whose career has spans over four decades, signaled the end of his era. Washington wants to focus on working behind the camera versus in front. Despite his announcement, the actor is set to appear in a few projects such as “The Equalizer 3,” “Hannibal,” “Othello,” “Black Panther 3,” an additional film directed by Spike Lee and more. While the Black community will miss Washington’s on screen performances dearly, Denzel has continued to say he’s not really going anywhere.
Serena Page from ‘Love Island’ Breaks the Internet
“Love Island USA” star, Serena Page captured Black America immediately with her spunk and authenticity, quickly becoming a breakout star of the season this summer. Her viral “dock scene” argument with now boyfriend, Kordell Beckham, became an iconic moment in reality television. It reminded viewers what true reality tv should be, which is raw and real. Page remained unapologetically Black while on the show which instantly made her a fan favorite. The series went on to be Peacock’s No. 1 streaming original and garnered 1.1 billion minutes watched, arguable because of the Black representation. She went on to win the show with Kordell Beckham and her influenced sky-rocketed and partnered with a few big name companies such as Beyoncé hair care line, Cecred, Tinder, and various makeup brands.
Losing Black Legends
From Nikki Giovanni to James Earl Jones, the Black community lost many legends this year. So much so, that it began to seem overwhelming. There were young and older influential Black people that left us like Rich Homie Quan and political legends like Sheila Jackson Lee. We will never forget the impact each of them have made.
Dawn Staley Wins Third NCAA Championship Title
Dawn Staley made us all proud after the University of South Carolina won the NCAA championship against Iowa this year. Her commitment and strategy has led the team to multiple championship titles and this one was the icing on the cake for her to enter the GOAT conversation.
Keith Lee Food Reviews Wreak Havoc
The food influencer has traveled to many cities critiquing cuisine based on service and food quality. Lee had the internet up in arms about his scathing reviews on food quality in D.C. and customer service in Atlanta’s restaurant culture. Everyone put the pitchforks down eventually, but the reactions were vicious.
The 50 Part ‘Who TF Did I Marry’ Series
Tiktok creator, Tareasa “Reesa Teesa” Johnson, also broke the internet this year with her interestingly, shocking experience with her pathologically (allegedly) lying husband, “Legion,” or real name, Jerome McCoy. The series quickly became popular and amassed millions of views and likes on TikTok. Reesa Teesa also gained a million followers in a single week. Now, the series is being turned into a television show starring Natasha Rothwell, playing as Reesa Teesa.
The Infamous Trump Appearance at NABJ
President-elect, Donald Trump, was invited to the National Association of Black Journalist convention back in August. Needless to say, this was a big mistake. Trump went on to make several false claims and completely disrespected the panelists. From claiming he was the best president for Black people since Abraham Lincoln, lying that he didn’t know Vice President Kamala Harris was Black and doubling down on the offense Black job comment. This is definitely up there with the Black community’s worst moments.
Cynthia Erivo Plays As ‘Wicked’s’ Elphaba
Let’s finish off with something positive shall we? The hit musical, “Wicked” was a great breath of fresh air for Black people. The decision to cast Cynthia Erivo as ‘Elphaba’ brought authenticity in the role, seeing as though her character was persecuted against and misunderstood, which is a constant theme In the lives of Black women specifically. It was nice for Black women to feel seen.
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