15 Moments That Proved This Black History Month Was The Blackest—Ever

“They used say I spoke too country. Then the rejection came, said I wasn’t country ‘nough,” sang Beyoncé in her intro track to “Cowboy Carter.” Not only was her album a statement about reclaiming space in music genres that Black people invented but it was a jab at her previous experience at the CMA’s, where she was met by a stiff neck crowd who believed she didn’t deserve to be there. Why? Because she’s Black. Jokes on them! “Cowboy Carter” took home a Grammy for Album of The Year becoming the second Black woman to do so and Best Country Album, becoming the first Black woman to do so.

Kendrick Lamar’s single “Not Like Us” was not just a single obliterating rap rival Drake but it was a message about cultural appropriation in Hip Hop. The song transcended its catchy tune into commercials, music videos, an epic west coast Juneteenth celebration and more. The song’s influence landed four Grammys this year for Best Rap Song, Best Song, Best Music Video and Best Rap Performance. Everyone present for the award show couldn’t help but bop to it every time Kendrick went up to grab his trophy.

Speaking of Lamar, can we talk about how gangsta this Super Bowl performance was? “The revolution bouta be televised. You picked the right time but the wrong guy,” the rapper bellowed in the introduction to his performance.

His set was packed with symbolism almost as if he wanted y’all to keep talking about it after it was over. Samuel Jackson’s chilling narrations as “Uncle Sam,” an all Black dance team making up the colors of the American flag, Serena Williams crip-walking on Drake’s grave, calling out the unfulfilled promise of giving Black folks 40 acres and a mule all in front of President Donald Trump?! - I mean, he proved why he won that Pulitzer.

As we continue of the topic of the Super Bowl, let’s congratulate this majority-Black team for their epic win. They swatted away questions about President Trump’s presence at the game, WHOOPED the Kansas City Chiefs by the second quarter and took home the win. Not only did they win, Philadelphia won.

Despite being on the losing team for the Super Bowl, this once in a lifetime opportunity was a true blessing for DeAndre Hopkins. Before professional football, he was the son to a mother who was the survivor of an acid attack, Sabrina Greenlee. Amidst her struggle to recover, he went as far as saving her from taking her own life, Greenlee told The Root. Even before the Super Bowl, he contemplated if football was even for him until he received the blessing of being drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs. They might have lost but Hopkins still had a win.

The only other women to receive a Grammy for Best Rap Album were Lauryn Hill and Cardi B, who presented the award for Florida-native rapper Doechii. Ever since the drop of her album “Alligator Bites Never Heal,” Doechii has been getting win after win including but not exclusive to landing a feature with Tyler the Creator, collab with Issa Rae and a viral performance on “The Late Show.” She deserves all of her flowers!

Democratic Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett has been calling out the BS from the Trump administration. However, her voice has become even louder when holding the president accountable of things such as his bogus war on diversity, equity and inclusion or allowing Elon Musk to do whatever he pleases in the makeshift Department of Government Efficiency. In her interviews this month with The Breakfast Club and The Root, she told it like it is. Unfortunately, she may be one of the only legislators doing so.

Not every hero wears a cape. In this case, the hero was a 10-year-old boy in Philadelphia who went out of his way to save his younger sister the moment a medical plane crashed in the city. He moved his 4-year-old sister out of the way so she wouldn’t get hit with the debris from the plane. Instead, he suffered a critical injury to the head after being struck with a piece of metal. We’re praying for his recovery as he remains in critical condition, per 6 Action News.

It’s her time to shine. Zaya Wade’s big break out happened this month as she covered the face of Seventeen Magazine. The 17-year-old received criticism from a young age for being into dresses and makeup as a boy. The now-trans girl is making a name for herself with her new identity and boldly stepping forward despite the challenges facing her.

DJ Mustard didn’t just receive hype for producing “Not Like Us,” he also received a rather obnoxious shoutout from Kendrick Lamar on his song “tv off” where he screams, “MUSTAAAAAARRRDDDDDD.” Naturally, Heinz nudged the music producer to take part in a cheeky collaboration.

Remember the Black church in Washington, D.C. that the Proud Boys vandalized during the 2020 protests? Well, a superior court judge granted the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church right to the trademark of the far-right conservative group’s name. Now, the group is banned from selling merch with their name or symbol on it without the church clearing it first. They can also seize any profits from the sales as well. Sweet, sweet revenge.