The Most Stunning Black Images of 2025

As the year comes to a close, we’ve rounded up some of the most stunning Black images of 2025.

We know we say this every year, but a lot went down in 2025, y’all. From the devastating wildfires in California to the joyful celebration of Black style and culture at the Met Gala, the year was packed with amazing highs and devastating lows. Fortunately, photographers were there to capture every incredible moment.

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As we prepare to close the books on 2025, we’re looking back at some of the most stunning Black images of the year.

Howard Students Protest National Guard Deployment in D.C.

WASHINGTON DC, US – SEPTEMBER 9: Students at Howard University stage a walkout to protest the deployment of National Guard troops in in Washington, USA on September 9, 2025. (Photo by Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In August 2025, President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard in the nation’s capital. The troops were positioned around monuments and Metro stations to deter crime. Many of the city’s residents were against the move, including Howard University students who staged a walkout in protest.

California Wildfires

Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

One of the biggest headlines of the year was that of the deadly wildfires that wreaked havoc on Altadena, California, a community with a thriving middle-class Black community. Here, 6-year-old Lainey Simmons, whose family lost their home of 45 years in the fire, sets up at a food giveaway for survivors.

Cowboy Carter Tour

LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 16: (L-R) Fan, Mary O’Connell and Sophie Duker attend the “Cowboy Carter Tour” at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on June 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ben Montgomery/Getty Images)

Beyoncé had everyone wearing denim and cowboy boots in 2025 as she hit the road for her “Cowboy Carter” tour, a 32-stop string of shows across the United States and Europe. Here, fans in London strike a pose in their finest Western wear for the show.

Detroit Elects Its First Female Mayor

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 04: Mary Sheffield, Detroit mayor-elect, celebrates with her supporters at MGM Grand Casino during her victory party on November 04, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Monica Morgan/Getty Images)

Detroit elected its first female mayor in 2025. In January 2026, Mary Sheffield will be sworn in to succeed Mayor Mike Duggan, who is launching his bid to run for the state’s governor in 2026.

“Where Them Fans At?”

EAST POINT, GEORGIA – MAY 28: Merchandise representing the popular line dance “Boots On The Ground” is displayed during Wednesday Wind Down In The Point at Downtown Commons on May 28, 2025 in East Point, Georgia. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)

In 2025, 803 Fresh had everyone asking, “Where them fans at?” as his song, “Boots on the Ground” became a viral sensation. Social media exploded with videos of people doing the popular line dance at cookouts, parties and wedding receptions everywhere.

Super Bowl Halftime Show

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – FEBRUARY 09: Kendrick Lamar performs onstage during Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Rapper Kendrick Lamar put on a show for the ages as the headliner for the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. With help from guests like Serena Williams, Samuel L. Jackson and SZA, he performed a medley of some of his biggest hits.

Inauguration Day Protests

Protestors rally against US President Donald Trump on the day of Trump’s inauguration as the 47th US President, in New York City, January 20, 2025. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)

Not everyone celebrated President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025 – the same day as the federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Protestors took to the streets around the country to demonstrate against a second Trump term.

The Met Gala

Photo by Neilson Barnard/MG25/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

The 2025 Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” was a celebration of Black fashion and culture. The night brought out some of the most stylish Black celebs, including Rihanna, Colman Domingo and Teyanna Taylor. There was even an a cappella gospel choir.

Barbara Rose Johns Statue

The statue of civil rights activist Barbara Rose Johns of Virginia, stands during it’s dedication and unveiling ceremony in Emancipation Hall on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, December 16, 2025. In 1951, a 16-year-old Johns, led a walkout at her segregated high school, and now her statue replaces one of confederal General Robert E. Lee, which was removed from the Capitol in 2020. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images)

In December 2025, a statue was unveiled of Barbara Rose Johns, a young civil rights activist who at just 16 years old led a walkout of her segregated high school in 1951. Johns’ statue replaced a long-standing statue of Confederate general Robert E. Lee at the United States Capitol.

The Diddy Trial

NEW YORK, NY USA – JUNE 27, 2025 – A Sean Combs supporter argues with another woman outside the courthouse. The scene outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse for the Sean “Diddy” Combs trial. (Aristide Economopoulos For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ trial was one of the biggest news stories of the year. Crowds gathered outside the courthouse daily throughout the high-profile trial.

Fashion Forward

PARIS, FRANCE – JULY 08: Cardi B attends the Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2025/2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on July 08, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

Cardi B was just one of celebs we had on our fashion radar in 2025. From The Met Gala to Paris Fashion Week, the rapper showed out on almost every red carpet she hit this year.

A Night of Angels

Jasmine Tookes at the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show held at Steiner Studios on October 15, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

The angels took the stage for the 2025 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in October. One of the highlights of the night was model Jasmine Tookes who debuted her adorable baby bump on the runway.

Black Excellence

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 03: (L-R) Ashley Allison, Tamron Hall and Abby Phillip attend the 2025 The Root 100 Gala at Gotham Hall on December 03, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

The Root celebrated an amazing year of Black excellence at our 2025 The Root 100 Gala at Gotham Hall in New York City. Some of the most influential Black Americans in politics, sports, media, and more joined our new publisher, Ashley Allison, at the fabulous fête.

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