Black Culture’s 24 Ultimate 2024 New Year’s Resolutions

Black people—everyone from athletes, actors and politicians to “Real Housewives,” talk show hosts and musicians—have made some big strides forward this year. Black characters have been fan-favorites in prestige TV, and the new “The Color Purple” musical has sparked conversations about Black fashion, types of love and pay equity for Black entertainers. Oprah officially passed the daytime TV torch to Sherri Shepherd, and men with a history of bad behavior got called on the carpet in music and in megachurches. Although some of our most beloved Black figures were called home, many more were called out and celebrated for their amazing talents.

Admittedly, there have been more than a few missteps in 2023. But y’all we made through another year, and that’s something to celebrate. It’s also an exciting opportunity to make a few much-needed changes. And so purely for your entertainment, we present to you our list of the 24 ultimate New Year’s resolutions that Black culture.

Pop some champagne and count down with us!

24. Keep MLK’s Name Out Ya Mouth

Unless you’re celebrating MLK’s birthday and laundry list of achievements, just stop. And if we have learned anything from former President Donald Trump comparing North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it’s that we could all benefit from fewer people making MLK comparisons in 2024!

23. Do Tell Us When You’ve Sold Your Black Card to Rich Conservatives

This one is especially for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Going into the New Year, we highly recommend everyone just cop to any lavish gifts given to them by wealthy conservative billionaires. Not saying there aren’t Black billionaires, too, but there are some obvious differences.

22. Cast More Black Women As Romantic Leads!

In 2023, Black women crushed it as romantic leads in iconic roles. We want to see more of those casting choices in 2024.

21. Protect Black Women’s Mental Health

While we’re on the subject of Black women playing iconic roles, next year, we would love to see more studios resolve to step up to protect those women’s mental health.

20. Decriminalize Pregnancies and Associated Care

Throughout the United States, we’ve witnessed the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. States have moved to further criminalize abortion care — in turn criminalizing pregnancy and worsening maternal health outcomes. So next year, this country should collectively resolve to do away with this practice that has had detrimental effects on Black women.

19. Leave Our River Boat Captains Alone

Hopefully, this one was already on the list of a certain family in Alabama. But for the rest of us, maybe don’t start fights with riverboat captains in the New Year. Pro tip: If you find yourself in a brawl, remember your folding chair. 

18. Stop the Colorism

Honestly, we shouldn’t have to say this. But if you’re still a colorist, you better drop that immediately. We all have to un-learn anti-Blackness and colorism, but some of you aren’t even trying, and it shows. DO BETTER IN 2024!

17. Do Take A Stand Against Money In Politics

In 2023, we witnessed politicians like Senate-candidate Hill Harper take a stand against money in politics and on other important issues like a ceasefire in Gaza. Hopefully, we see more of that from people in 2024.

16. Don’t Mess With Black Election Workers

As former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is learning the hard way, it’s not a good idea to go around defaming people. Giuliani was ordered to pay $148 million to two Black election workers that he and his circle repeatedly defamed. So going into 2024, try not to defame anyone.

15. Do Check-Out Black Owned Brands

We’re all trying to spend a bit less in the New Year, but if you are in the market for some new additions to your wardrobe, shopping Black is in for 2024!

14. Maybe Don’t Downplay Slavery

This one shouldn’t have to be said, but as we enter 2024, it feels critical to remind people that there’s no reason to downplay or justify slavery.

13. Also, Just Stop Comparing Things To Slavery

While we’re on the subject of slavery, maybe don’t compare it to welfare and imply that welfare was worse.

12. Don’t Be A Karen

This one really doesn’t need an explanation.

11. Don’t Re-Invent Literacy Tests

This is another thing that really shouldn’t have to be said, but here we are. Please don’t try to re-invent all of the crazy racist policies employed by the Jim Crow South to deny Black people the vote in the New Year.

10. Don’t Hero Worship Celebrities

We learn this lesson every year, but it’s worth a reminder going into the New Year. Celebrities are flawed like everyone else, except they have access to fame and fortune. This is a message to everyone who spent 2023 knocking down any criticism of their favorite celebrities, including Jonathan Majors and Tory Lanez. Hopefully, the New Year brings introspection.

9. Do Go to As Many Amazing Shows As Possible

As Root reporter Amira Castilla proved with her incredible recap of the Renaissance Tour, life is too short not to live your epic concert dreams. Next year, find a concert that makes you as excited as Castilla was to see Beyonce.

8. Do Hold Police Accountable For Brutality

True justice for victims of police brutality and their families always feels evasive. But as we enter 2024, we hope more victims of police violence can find peace and justice.

7. Don’t Erase Black History

Honestly, this resolution could apply to a ton of people (** cough cough** Ron DeSantis). But seriously, in 2024, it seems like a good idea to let schools teach about Black history and racism.

6. Don’t Try To Disenfranchise Black Voters

This is a subtweet to about a million different people over the last two hundred-plus years. But how about in 2024, we all agree to let Black people have an equal vote?

5. Do Try More Black Hacks!

Yes, this is a shameless plug, but trust us, you’ll thank us once you’ve let Kalyn Womack teach you about perfect, heatless curls for Black girls and other important hacks.

4. Do Cast More Black People In Nerd Shows

Black nerds deserve representation, too! Now that we have a new Black Doctor Who, we’re excited to see other cult classics bring Black actors and characters into their universe.

3. Don’t Cross A Black Woman

This definitely should have been on your resolution every year, but seriously drop the misogyny and specifically the misogynoir. Leave Black women alone; we’re tired! 

2. Do Talk About Mental Health

This is advice for people of all genders in the New Year. Let’s all try to take better care of our mental health in 2024!

1. Do Keep Demanding Better From The System!

Ultimately, we should all strive to be our best selves every year, but we can’t do that alone. Going into 2024, let’s keep fighting to change the system and make it a more equitable and loving place for all of us!