Happy New Year! What a year 2025 was. It was a year that was worse for Black people than 2020, and that is saying a lot. However, despite the setbacks 2025 threw at Black people, African Americans have remained strong in the face of adversity. The truth is, regardless of hardship, Black people will keep choosing to be Black every time because a legacy of brilliance cannot be easily dimmed. In 2026, Black folks assignment is to keep this legacy strong, continue moving forward with culture, and fight for what is right.
Suggested Reading
In case you need a reminder, here is the powerful legacy Black Americans have built in the United States.
Black Americans Built America
Much of the United States was built by enslaved African Americans, from schools and churches to iconic landmarks like the White House. Modern America would not exist without African Americans, and for this reason, Black Americans have just as much right as anyone to enjoy what the country has to offer.
Black Americans Fought To Make The Country Better
From civil rights leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks to the Black Panther Party and the Black Lives Matter movement, Black Americans have continuously fought to make the country a better place. And we did it in style, too.
Pioneers of Culture
Even after having their roots stripped away by slavery, African Americans created their own culture, from soul food and fashion styles to music genres that have inspired people across the globe.
Some of The Biggest Stars Are Black Americans
Some of the most iconic and legendary stars are Black Americans. Michael Jackson remains the undisputed King of Pop, and today, Beyoncé is one of the most recognized stars globally and is shining a light on African American culture.
Highlighting Black Culture On A Global Stage
With the releases of “Renaissance” and “Cowboy Carter,” the first two in her three-act project, Beyoncé has taken African American culture across the globe to be celebrated by audiences that fill entire stadiums.
Sports Icons
Black athletes have dominated sports, with some of the most recognized icons in tennis and basketball. Gen Z is continuing this trend with Root 100 honoree Coco Gauff, who made headlines for being the world’s highest-paid female athlete in 2025.
Bringing Black History To The Big Screen
With the success of Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners,” you cannot deny that African Americans are ensuring their stories are heard with a creativity that is respected and appreciated on the silver screen.
Business Titans
Black CEOs are helping ensure their businesses and staff continue to improve. Lowe’s CEO and Root 100 honoree Marvin Ellison has continued to fight for diversity and inclusion in the workplace through the Lowe’s Inclusion Network. Damola Adamolekun, CEO of Red Lobster and a Root 100 honoree, led the company through its post-bankruptcy transition and was named one of Fortune’s “Most Powerful People in Business.”
Continuing To Fight For Better Treatment
Last year, Root 100 honoree Sen. Nina Turner, Pastor Jamal Bryant and activist Tamika Mallory led the Target boycott, urging customers to spend their money with Black businesses instead of major retailers. This led to sales declines for the company, reminding corporate America how much power the Black dollar holds.
Creating Spaces For Black Beauty
Though Black Americans have influenced fashion and beauty trends for decades, major companies often fail to diversify and market themselves toward Black consumers. However, that has not stopped Black Americans from carving out space for themselves. Root 100 honoree Danessa Myricks has become a force in the makeup industry by creating a reliable brand for Black women to use for their beauty needs.
Uplifting Black Communities
Giving back to the community is vital to ensure Black Americans benefit from the resources the country has to offer. Root 100 honorees Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings are stellar examples of how African Americans can help continue a legacy of brilliance by teaching others how to build wealth.
Persevering In Politics
Root 100 honoree Lisa Cook, who made history in 2022 as the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, is a modern example of Black Americans refusing to yield in the face of hardship. Last year, Cook filed a lawsuit to block an attempt by President Donald Trump to remove her from her position. Today, Cook continues to serve on the board, standing as a powerful example of resisting intimidation.
Raising Awareness Through Creativity
Through her hit show “Abbott Elementary,” Root 100 honoree Quinta Brunson has helped raise awareness of the struggles public school teachers face in Philadelphia.
Sparking Conversation On Social Media
Although Root 100 honoree Kai Cenat is known for making people laugh on his streams, he has used his influence to help spark conversations on men’s mental health. He has also featured Black American icons such as Marlon Wayans, Mariah Carey, Serena Williams and Kevin Hart on his streams, introducing their legacies to a younger audience.
Fighting For Everyone
Finally, Black Americans not only help their own community but also help everyone. They understand better than anyone that to improve the United States, everyone must be on equal footing. Standing up for what is right for everybody and not just for a few is another reason the Black American legacy is so brilliant.
Straight From 
Sign up for our free daily newsletter.
