Though 2024 came with a handful of highs, it also came with a handful of lows in everything from the political sphere to entertainment and pop culture.
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As the year comes to a close, we thought it would be fitting to take a look back on some of the worst moments of 2024 and reflect on the “Ls” Black people took as a collective. Hopefully, by the time 2025 rolls around we can all put these things in the rearview mirror and gain some more “Ws” in the next 12 months.
Vice President Kamala Harris Losing the 2024 Presidential Election
Now you already know we had to start off strong with one of the biggest, worst moments of the year. Despite making history with record donations and strong debate performances, it still wasn’t enough for Vice President Kamala Harris to win the presidential election. Her loss sparked sadness, frustration and resolve from Black women in particular who decided they’d no longer play their part in helping save the nation from itself anymore.
Mike Tyson Losing the Fight Against Jake Paul
Now sure, maybe we all shouldn’t have really expected a nearly 59-year-old boxing champion to win a fight against somebody nearly 30 years his junior, but seeing Mike Tyson—of all fighters—get tired and worn out and ultimately lose against Jake Paul was a moment of time I, personally, wish we all didn’t have to witness.
James Earl Jones’ Death
After years of false alarms of James Earl Jones’ death on social media, folks all over were shocked when it was announced the “Star Wars” and “Lion King” star had actually transitioned to the other side on Sep. 9.
Frankie Beverly’s Death
As if losing James Earl Jones wasn’t bad enough, less than 24 hours later, Black folks were dealt another blow when we learned that beloved singer Frankie Beverly died. As one of the voices that were paramount to the soundtrack of Black America, Beverly’s death was and still is hard to deal with.
Tito Jackson’s Death
Not even five days after Frankie Beverly’s death, the grief of Black America was deepened even more when the news that Jackson 5 member Tito Jackson had passed away on Sep. 15. Having lost three legends back to back to back, the month of September definitely got off to a rough start.
Quincy Jones’ Death
It was already a hard year when it came to losing music legends but the cake was arguably taken when the news of Quincy Jones’ death on Nov. 3 was made public. With his talents and contributions spanning across TV and film in addition to music—Jones’ legacy will undoubtedly live beyond him for years to come.
“The American Society of Magical Negros” Release
The swiftness with which Black Twitter dragged the trailer for “The American Society of Magical Negroes” back in Dec. 2023, should’ve been a good indicator of how badly the movie would be received when it hit theaters the following March. But it’s clear that it wasn’t as the film received double lashings shortly after its release thanks to the lack of actual magical negroes using their powers for other Black folks and the non-Black love interest to name a few things.
Raygun Winning Breakdancing at the Olympics
The news that breakdancing was an official category in the 2024 Olympics put a lot of smiles on a lot of Black folks’ faces. But, those smiles were quickly wiped away when Australian dancer with the rhythm of a wet macaroni noodle and puzzling choreography got all the attention.
I’m mad this moment will forever be etched in history because it was truly horrific.
“DEI Mayor” & the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse
As if seeing the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore shockingly collapse back in March wasn’t one thing, seeing the racist response to Mayor Brandon Scott and him being called the “DEI Mayor” in the aftermath made an already bad situation that much worse. Thankfully he handled it with tact and wit but that still didn’t take away from the overt racism lobbed against him.
John Amos’ Messy Death & Funerals
Prior to John Amos’ death on Aug. 21, we’d all gotten privy to the drama that was brewing between his two children: daughter Shannon and son KC. But things took an even weirder turn for the worse when the world found out about the elder Amos’ death and that he was cremated nearly two months after he’d already passed away. What followed was even more online mess between his kids and even two separate funerals.
Ray J’s Fight With Diddy’s Kids and the Unlikely Mediator
Though Sean “Diddy” Combs has enough problems to deal with on his own thanks to his federal indictment, his kids Justin, Quincy and Christian apparently took up the mantle to defend him when they engaged in a “heated face off” with Ray J of all people after a Halloween party back in Oct. Fortunately Chris Brown (yes, that Chris Brown) was there to diffuse the situation.
Unfortunately, this incident would be the kickoff to several more bizarre Ray J moments which included a wide-ranging and weird interview with Nicki Minaj, allegations about attempts on his life and more.
Tyrese Not Retiring From Social Media
Though Tyrese Gibson has given us out fair share of memes and memorable interviews, he sparked joy all over when he announced he’d be retiring from social media—leading us all to believe we’d finally be spared from his antics.
Sadly, that admission proved to be a lie as the “Lately” singer continued to post and ended up adding even more fodder for conversation thanks to his emotional “Breakfast Club” interview and a bizarre Instagram post in which he refuted rumors he was gay and a devil worshipper.
R. Kelly’s Daughter Heartbreaking Abuse Revelation
Though it’s well documented just how much harm R. Kelly inflicted on numerous young girls and boys, the internet was set ablaze back in October when a new documentary about the disgraced R&B singer revealed that he’d allegedly sexually abused his own daughter Buku Abi.
Nikki Giovanni’s Death
In the last month of 2024, just when we thought we’d be spared another heartbreaking death: esteemed author, poet, and activist Nikki Giovanni passed away on Dec. 10. Just like with the previous deaths of Frankie Beverly, James Earl Jones, Tito Jackson, and Quincy Jones—Black folks around the country had to grieve once again over the loss of yet another legend.
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