One Moment in Time: Black Excellence, Joy and Honor at the 59th Presidential Inauguration

We did it, y’all. We half-survived. Suggested Reading Dr. King’s Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on the Anniversary of His Murder Why Keke Palmer’s Explanation Of a Shocking SXSW Proposal Is Something All Women Can Relate To Anti-Affirmative Action Groups are Now Coming for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Scholarships Video will return…

Photo: Andrew Angerer

We did it, y’all. We half-survived.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Nicholas Duvernay Talks ‘White Lotus’ Season 3, Working with Natasha Rothwell

On Wednesday, Joe Biden was sworn into office as the 46th President of the United States, swiftly and effectively removing the orange dictator out of that undeserved position of power.

But I’m not here to recap the rollercoaster that was the last four years. No, I’m here to revisit and forever preserve for posterity the word and wonder of Black excellence that was on display before, during and after yesterday’s inauguration.

You can’t convince me that there wasn’t an exclusive group chat led by former first lady and forever icon Michelle Obama, where she coordinated the jewel-toned outfits and nudged Vice-President Kamala Harris in the direction of a monochromatic purple color scheme.

#Royalty

Menace to Society

As the sun rose over Washington D.C., and a new day began, Donald Trump flew off into the distance, hopefully never to be seen again. Black Twitter has really outdone itself. From the AKAs to the Bernie memes, we’ve really shown how powerful we are.

I think I’m funny, I’m not even going to lie. I pride myself on my dry humor and feel very accomplished when someone laughs at one of my (not at all funny) jokes. But this? This is next-level humor that I wasn’t prepared for.

American Hero: Eugene Goodman, Police Officer Who Led Capitol Insurrectionists Away from Senate Chambers

Photo: Getty Images Pool

I’ve Never Wanted a Fist Bump More

Photo: Getty Images OLIVIER DOULIERY

We’ve got to talk about the fist bumps. They’re iconic. Fist bumps are clearly an important part of Barack and Joe’s relationship, but I think we can all agree that the bump Michelle Obama gave Kamala Harris after she was sworn in brought us all true joy.

She really was like “Sis, you done did that,” and we all felt it.

https://twitter.com/Holland_Tiffin/status/1351944367519354880

Democracy’s Child

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and Husband Doug Emhoff Stopping to Greet Harris’ Family Was *Sniff*

Photo: Getty Images Susan Walsh

Historic: Kamala Harris, With Her Husband by Her Side, Sworn in as Vice President by Justice Sonia Sotomayor.

Photo: Getty Images Andrew Harnik

Vice President Kamala D. Harris, y’all.

Photo: Getty Images Pool

We Did It, Joe: U.S. President-elect Joe Biden Fist Bumps His New VEEP.

Photo: Andrew Angerer

Joseph Robinette Biden, Flanked by Incoming First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden Takes the Oath of Office as the 46th US President.

Photo: Getty Images BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI

The Other Squad: Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), President-Elect Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Vice President-Elect Kamala D. Harris and Doug Emhoff, arrive at the steps of the U.S. Capitol.

Photo: Getty Images Melina Mara

True Bromance: Former President Barack Obama hugs Former Vice President and 46th President Joe Biden.

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Dietsch

For Beau: President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden Hug Their Children After the Swearing-In.

Photo: Getty Images Kevin Dietsch

Passing the Torch: Michelle Obama Hugs First Lady Jill Biden.

Photo: Getty Images Greg Nash

Poetry in Motion: Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman reads “The Hill We Climb.” 

Photo: Getty Images PATRICK SEMANSKY

Amanda Gorman Take Her Bow After Delivering Her Inaugural Poem.

Photo: Getty Images Johnathan Ernst

Former US President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama arrive in the Crypt of the US Capitol—and the World Gasps.

Photo: Getty Images Jim Lo-Scalzo

#TheVPLooksLikeMe

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Some of the Wildest Recent News Events You Might've Missed

Some of the Wildest Recent News Events You Might’ve Missed

From Pam Bondi’s firing to Gucci Mane’s alleged kidnapping, these recent world events have certainly kept us on our toes! …
Eddie Murphy's Top Movies Ranked By the Box Office, In Honor of His 65th Birthday

Eddie Murphy’s Top Movies Ranked By the Box Office, In Honor of His 65th Birthday

Eddie Murphy is officially 65! In honor of his birthday, let’s take a look at his most successful films. You might be surprised at what made the cut! …
Dr. King's Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on the Anniversary of His Murder

Dr. King’s Favorite Pastime and More Little Known Facts on the Anniversary of His Murder

Fifty-eight years after Dr. King was killed, let’s take a closer look at little known facts about the life and legacy of one of the most famous men in history …
Why Keke Palmer's Explanation Of a Shocking SXSW Proposal Is Something All Women Can Relate To

Why Keke Palmer’s Explanation Of a Shocking SXSW Proposal Is Something All Women Can Relate To

Keke Palmer is opening up about that shocking and scary impromptu proposal she received at SXSW. But her experience and explanation is sadly one that most women are familiar with …
Anti-Affirmative Action Groups are Now Coming for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Scholarships

Anti-Affirmative Action Groups are Now Coming for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Scholarships

An anti-affirmative action organization has filed a lawsuit against Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s scholarships aimed at helping disenfranchised Black students …
Michael Jackson's Legal History Ahead of the New Movie

Michael Jackson’s Legal History Ahead of the New Movie

Ahead of his biopic, we’re laying out a full timeline of the allegations and legal drama surrounding the King of Pop …
Why an Ex-Syracuse Basketball Player Chose Deportation to Sudan

Why an Ex-Syracuse Basketball Player Chose Deportation to Sudan

John Bol Ajak is headed back home to Sudan after spending more than a month in ICE custody …
Brandy Shares Where She Stands Now With Brother Ray J

Brandy Shares Where She Stands Now With Brother Ray J

There’s been a lot of chatter from Ray J in the past about where things stands with his sister Brandy. Now she’s sharing her side of the story …
How One Black Man’s Journey for a New Eye Color Turned Into a Medical Disaster That Has TikTok Users Shook

How One Black Man’s Journey for a New Eye Color Turned Into a Medical Disaster That Has TikTok Users Shook

Since hitting streaming services this year, a 2023 documentary following a man’s journey to change his eye color is going viral on TikTok and leaving everyone shook …
Is Medicaid, Childcare on the Chopping Block?

Is Medicaid, Childcare on the Chopping Block?

During a private Easter luncheon at the White House, Trump told guests it’s just “not possible” for the country to pay for Medicaid, Medicare and daycare …
Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Loyal Attorney General Trump Just Fired

Everything to Know About Pam Bondi, the Loyal Attorney General Trump Just Fired

Here’s everything to know about the life and career of former AG Pam Bondi who was just fired by President Trump …
Inside the Killing of a Rising Florida Vice Mayor— And The Husband Now Charged With Her Murder

Inside the Killing of a Rising Florida Vice Mayor— And The Husband Now Charged With Her Murder

Nancy Metayer Bowen was weeks away from announcing a Congress bid. Instead, a wellness check revealed a nightmare, and a husband charged with her murder …
Black America Rallies Behind Justice Kentanji Jackson as She Shreds Trump’s Birthright Challenge

Black America Rallies Behind Justice Kentanji Jackson as She Shreds Trump’s Birthright Challenge

Ketanji Brown Jackson stood out from several justices appearing to be skeptical of the president’s argument against the Citizenship Clause in the 14th Amendment …
In Resurfaced Video, Wanya Morris Speaks Relationship With 16-year-old Brandy

In Resurfaced Video, Wanya Morris Speaks Relationship With 16-year-old Brandy

Boyz II Men member Wanya Morris is back in the hot seat on social media for some resurfaced comments he made about his past relationship with Brandy Norwood. Let’s get into it! …
Black America Reacts to Shocking Gucci Mane Kidnapping

Black America Reacts to Shocking Gucci Mane Kidnapping

Rapper Gucci Mane faced the unthinkable after he was allegedly kidnapped and robbed. And now folks online can’t stop talking about it! …
Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black America Reacts to Trump Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

Black Twitter is buzzing with comments about President Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi …
New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

New Study: DNA Testing Could Be the Key to Saving Black Women With Breast Cancer

Led by Dr. Sonya Reid, a Black physician, a new study shows how DNA-based tumor analysis can help close the survival gap for Black women with aggressive breast cancer …
Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman's Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

Why the Internet is Obsessed With This Black Woman’s Disability-Friendly Recipes That Don’t Require Stoves, Knives or Standing

No standing. No cutting. No problem! Meet the Black content creator who creates disability-friendly recipes that’s taking the internet by storm …
WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

WATCH: The Wild Moment a Woman Tries to Ram 2 Chainz Off the Road 

Rapper 2 Chainz’s regular commute included a wild confrontation with a driver who tried ramming his car— and it was all caught on camera …
Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good Finally Responds to Skin Bleaching Backlash

Meagan Good is finally clearing the air and addressing the criticisms she’s received over past skin bleaching claims …