What even happened this year? The answer—so much.
2021 has brought its ups and downs but above all, we kept it unapologetically Black. There has been a lot of trials that our community has had to overcome from battling the COVID-19 pandemic and losing important leaders. However, there have also been some very lighthearted moments that kept us laughing and pushing forward.
Here are ten of of the best Blackest moments of the year.
The Culture Championed LeVar Burton to Host Jeopardy
Although he was able to guest host the iconic trivia show, the powers-that-be ultimately failed to come through on this. However, he will be hosting the Scripps National Spelling Bee in June 2022. Can you spell excited?
Megan Markle and Prince Harry talk with Oprah Winfrey in an Exclusive Sitdown
The couple shared their experience about being in the Royal Family following their departure from the U.K. after stepping back from their Duke and Duchess titles this year.
Daniel Kaluuya Wins an Oscar Award for Portrayal of Fred Hampton
The actor for Judas and the Black Messiah won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his masterful work in the film, which tells the story of the FBI's plan and execution of the assassination of 21 year old activist Fred Hampton. Tiara Thomas, H.E.R., and Dernst Emile II also won an Oscar for Best Original Song for "Fight For You" for the film.
Miss USA 2021 Was a Black Woman, Once Again
Elle Smith of Kentucky took home the title of Miss USA this year and went on the represent the country at the Miss Universe pageant.
Singer Mickey Guyton Shook Up the Country Music Awards
At the 55th Annual Country Music Awards in November, the singer performed her hit song "Black Like Me," which reflected on her experience growing up in racist parts of Texas while highlighting the story of Faith Fennidy who gained notoriety for speaking out after she was told that her box braids defied her Louisiana high school's dress code policy in 2018.
Iman Shumpert Becomes The First Former NBA Player to Win Dancing with the Stars
The artist and husband of Teyana Taylor had a victorious run in the dance competition show and took hold the gold with his dance partner Daniella Karagach.
Angela Bassett Makes History As the Highest Paid Woman of Color on Television
It was reported back in August that the actress would be making $450,000 per episode on the show 9-1-1. This increase in pay is also a result of her being the executive producer of both this show and its new spin-off 9-1-1 : Lone Star. We love to see it!
Debbie Allen Becomes the First Black Woman to Win the Governors Award at the Emmys
The Hollywood extraordinaire and owner of the Debbie Allen Dance Academy was awarded for her decades long achievements innovating in the field of dance, theater television and film.
Dionne Warwick Made an Appearance on Saturday Night Live for the Dionne Warwick Talk Show Sketch
After setting the Twitter streets ablaze with her comedic yet spot on commentary on a variety of topics, the legendary songstress inspired the skit of a similar nature and is played by Ego Nwodim.
We Discovered That Taye Diggs Joined TikTok
The actor took his talents to the short-form video sharing platform and honestly, the jokes write themselves.
