2016 has been a long year for everyone, but a remarkable one for African Americans. As an African American woman myself, I was sure to let my #blackgirlmagic shine as I watched people like me make a mark in music, cinema, social media, and even in our nations capital! Black people have made an imprint showing the world that life could be a lot less dim if we add a little color to our lives. From taking stands of social justice with the #blacklivesmatter hashtag to creating viral challenges that broke the internet and had everyone ROFL, let take a moment to look back at the best moments for melanin in 2016!
Black Lives Matter: #BlackLivesMatter was not a moment but a movement. With the hundreds of police killings of African Americans, the movement stood strong to affirm the validity of black life. It was not just a call to action, but a wake-up call to our reality. With public figures like Jesse Williams, Lady Gaga, and Colin Kaepernick supporting the charge of action, voices were heard and this platform successfully raised awareness of the injustices occurring around the country.
Formation:
The Queen B herself joined in on the conversation when she released her album Lemonade and she “aint sorry” about it either. As a national anthem for people of color (especially black women), Beyoncé paid homage to all those who have fallen victim to police brutality, while slaying in her video album and shining a light on black feminism. She encouraged chocolate brown girls embrace their kinky hair and take back their power by getting “in formation”. It was a powerful ode made to black women everywhere.
Break the Internet:
The Internet is a wonderful place full of memes, videos, and melanin up and down Facebook, IG and Twitter news feeds. Black people have had an astonishing presence on the Internet and everyone seems to love it. When you’re doing the #mannequinchallenge with your friends, remember to thank Rae Scremmurd and their fans! Those Arthur memes, yup that was us too! Let’s not forget the #Unameitchallenge inspired by Pastor Shirley! There were plenty of laughs to go around this year and I am personally looking forward to what’ll be the next hashtag of the year!
“Black Girl Magic” is more than a hashtag it’s a celebration! Created by Cashawn Thompson, the phrase black girl magic has been used to promote self-love and resilience of black women. Various IG pages have been made to highlight the essence of melanin in all its glory. The message is simple and clear: Being a black girl is lit and it’s okay to be unapologetic about it!
Dominated the Olympics: From Simone Biles winning Gold in gymnastics to Simone Manuel being the first African American woman to win a medal in swimming. The 2016 Rio Olympics was an unstoppable and dominating year for black women in multiple sports. Gabby Douglas wasn’t the only force to be reckoned with. Other notable athletes like the trifecta (Kristi Castlin, Brianna Rollins and Nia Ali) in 100-meter hurdles and Michelle Carter in shot-put proved that black girl magic does indeed exist.
Keeping History in the Capital: Success could have never been accomplished without reflecting on the past. This past September, the Smithsonian’s Nation museum of African American History opened. As a true moment in history, the story of America’s Black Past has been displayed for all people to truly understand black culture in all aspects.
We’ll be saying farewell to 2016, but season’s greetings to diversity and culture!