If we could sum up 2024 in two words, it would probably be: “whew chile,” Why? That’s because the last 12 months were more than a lot on a myriad of fronts. But, now that 2025 is here, we’ve got yet another 365 days to make the best out of it.
So it’s in that spirit that we’ve come up with a list of New Year’s resolutions we as Black people should adopt moving forward. We can’t have a repeat of last year, so hopefully these resolutions will keep that from happening.
This applies to all Black people but specifically for Black women—it’s time to become strong nap advocates in 2025. We aren’t superhuman nor can we save everybody or everything. Take a break. Take a breather. Lay your head down. Rest your eyes. Decompress.
Much like the first resolution, this can apply to us all but specifically for our Black men who are still struggling with the stigma surrounding serious conversations about mental health — it’s time to shrug that off your shoulders and go get some help.
There’s nothing wrong with talking or expressing your emotions, your mental challenges, where you’re falling short. That vulnerability will only help steer you in the direction of becoming a better person overall, you owe it to yourself to be all that and more.
We don’t have to stress the importance and value of the Black dollar—but it’s probably best if we all get a little bit more intentional about where we spend our money and with whom. Black capitalism won’t necessarily save us, but until a better, more equitable system comes along—it’s advantageous to work within the system we have now to try to give us all an economic leg up.
We don’t have to remind you of all the Black legendary entertainers and influential figures we lost this year. Their absence stressed the importance of preserving and documenting the stories, contributions and history of those who came before us. And with efforts going on to try to revise the events of the past, it’s on us to keep our history alive and around for generations to come.
In addition to Hollywood pulling back their DEI efforts and de-prioritizing diverse storytelling, it’s also on us to do what we can to make sure those stories are being told and shared to the masses. Whether that’s on the big-scale or smaller scale like supporting indie creators and kickstarters—we need our perspectives, our lens now more than ever before.
Yes, we know the results of the 2024 presidential election may have many feeling downtrodden and deflated. But don’t get it twisted—we still can go after our dreams and the desires of our hearts despite who’s in office. Will it be harder? Maybe. But will it be worth it? Absolutely.
Black people, we love you. But we’ve got to finally get a grip on the intersectionality of our community and learn how to better love and work with each other. Whether that means getting more knowledgable about the plights of our Black LGBTQIA+ members or those who come from a lower socioeconomic status—we are all different but we are Black at the end of the day. A house divided cannot stand and we’ve got to do all that we can to stay united and bring all facets of Blackness into the fold so that we can push forward together.
If the 2024 election cycle taught you anything, it should be that just voting for the president is just one of many important decisions on the ballot. Who you put your support behind on the local side matters just as much—if not more due to the fact that their policies have more of a direct impact on your day-to-day. If you’ve been disengaged, it’s time to get engaged and pay attention to what’s happening around you and above you.
LITERALLY STOP IT. IT’S DISGUSTING, STOP TRYING TO MAKE IT A THING.
We know “all skinfolk ain’t kinfolk” but all allies aren’t made equal either. If the 2024 election taught us anything, it’s that people you thought would be for the betterment of all of our wellbeing can be disappointing when push comes to shove. And it’s because of that, that we’ve got to keep both eyes (and our “third eye”) open for wolves in sheep’s clothing.
With reports about the Department of Education rolling back essential programs in school, it’s apparent we’re going have to take up the mantle even more of making sure our kids are well-equipped with the knowledge and resources to excel in school. Whether that means more reading time than screentime, extra time at-home learning, or homeschooling out right—it’s clear that we have to do what we can to make sure our children aren’t left behind academically.
You’ve heard it said before but early detection for any disease truly can make all the difference. With Black women still being the group with the highest mortality rate for breast cancer and Black men still being the group with higest mortality rate for colon cancer—it’s pertinent that we do what we can to spot the signs as soon as possible.
Whether you come from wealth or you built it on your own, it’s time out for making our children endure the struggle olympics just to reap rewards. We ought to position our kids for the best outcome possible based off the fact that we have the means to do so. Just because we had it hard doesn’t mean that they have to. Teach them right and they’ll use that position for the greater good.
It’s apparent that we need each other now more than ever, so we’ve all better lean into our communities and show up for each other when and how we can at all times. If we don’t, then who will?
We know last year was tough, but let’s not bring the worries of 2024 into the newness of 2025. Look for joy whenever you can and make that a priority. Joy is also resistance and will no doubt be a saving grace as we go through a new year.
