Throughout 2015 Black women have blessed audiences and fans with Black Girl Magic. We have shown what tenacity looks like in multiple areas and shocked the world with our accomplishments. Below are just a few women who have inspired black girls around the world to share my magic daily. They have made great strides in their own careers and taught me to never give up. Here is just a short recap of 2015 Black Girl Magic.
Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors- These women have been the driving force behind the conversation, of Black lives in America. Even though they created the Black Lives Matters in 2012, we are still seeing great effects of their movement. College students are boldly taking a stance against racism that is infused into our society daily.
Ava DuVernay- recently directed Selma, which was released in December 2014. She directed several episodes of Scandal in 2013. Nevertheless, over the years she has collected many awards such as the Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award and Glamour Award for Film Maker. DuVernay’s work is finally being shed to light after Selma was released.
Alana Simmons- One of the most tragic events this summer was the shooting in Charleston, South Carolina. Simmons along with other victim’s family members showed America the power of forgiveness. They all forgave the killer, who took their loved ones from them. Simmons has now started the initiative #HateWontWin. She hopes to spread tolerance and encourages others to connect with people from different backgrounds.
Danielle Brooks- is definitely a rising star in Hollywood. Her role as Taystee in Orange is the New Black has brought laughter into many living rooms. On December 10 she made her Broadway debut as Sofia in “The Color Purple.” The Julliard graduate is now showing young women that dreams come true through commitment, dedication, and determination.
Misty Copeland’s- athleticism amazes each one of her supporters and Instagram followers. It is hard to name all of Copeland’s accomplishments in 2015. Just this year she became the first African American female principal dancer for American Ballet Theater. She also made her Broadway debut with “On the Town” this past August. Additionally she has gained many endorsements from companies like Under Armor.
Simone Biles and Gabby Douglas- in 2012 we all fell in love with Gabby Douglas’ after she ended the Olympics with gold metals award her neck. Since then her and Biles have been making great strides in the gymnastic world. Simone Biles has the most world championship medal ever by an American woman. Biles took first place in the all-around competition at the 2015 Gymnastic World Championship, with Douglas following in second place. They have already built fan anticipation for the 2016 Olympic Games.
Sasha and Malia Obama- have undoubtedly followed the footsteps of their mother, Michelle Obama. With their mother, they have sprinkled Black Girl Magic all over the White House. We may not see or hear much from them, however, they have shown us true class. Whether it’s congratulating their father on his lame jokes or dressing the way a teenager should. Hopefully, Sasha continue to sprinkle her magical dust in college next year.
Amandla Stenberg- brought tears to our eyes with her performance as Rue in The Hunger Games. Stenberg shocked us all with her YouTube video regarding cultural appropriation. She educated Americans on why praising Kylie Jenner for her cornrows is not okay. Stenberg’s brave stance allowed American to self-reflect on their daily actions.
Ayesha Curry- has swept social media with her hilarious videos and post. Nonetheless, she was Stephen Curry’s backbone before and after he won a basketball championship. Through her post she shows that being a mother and wife is challenging but fun. She recently announced that she will be releasing a cookbook.
Loretta Lynch- became the first African American woman to be the U.S. Attorney General. She was sworn in on April 27, 2015 by Joe Biden. Lynch is a graduate of Harvard College and then attend Harvard Law School. For most of her career she was in the Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York. Lynch shows the even Black women can be in the most powerful positions in America.
We do not want to forget the others who may not be recognized in this type of light. There are many people who have shaped the women above. Everyone has the potentially to spread Black Girl Magic no matter how big or little it is.
Let’s continue Black Girl Magic in 2016 and spread it across the world. All of the women above show us that ordinary can become extraordinary. If you intend to be great, you will be great not just in the year of 2016. Henry Thoreau says “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you have imagined.” I would then add to also sprinkle some Black Girl Magic along the way.