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Black Culture's 24 Ultimate 2024 New Year's Resolutions

Black Culture's 24 Ultimate 2024 New Year's Resolutions

The Root's roundup of our biggest takeaways, hot takes, wants and wishes going into the New Year!

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Affion Crockett carries a folding chair - a recall to the viral meme of a folding chair wielding man who aided an Alabama dock worker who was attacked in a massive brawl - at the Actively Black fashion brand’s The Black Mixtape 2 runway show at Sony Hall on September 08, 2023 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Affion Crockett carries a folding chair - a recall to the viral meme of a folding chair wielding man who aided an Alabama dock worker who was attacked in a massive brawl - at the Actively Black fashion brand’s The Black Mixtape 2 runway show at Sony Hall on September 08, 2023 in New York City.
Photo: Shannon Finney / Stringer (Getty Images)

Black people—everyone from athletes, actors and politicians to “Real Housewives,” talk show hosts and musicians—have made some big strides forward this year. Black characters have been fan-favorites in prestige TV, and the new “The Color Purple” musical has sparked conversations about Black fashion, types of love and pay equity for Black entertainers. Oprah officially passed the daytime TV torch to Sherri Shepherd, and men with a history of bad behavior got called on the carpet in music and in megachurches. Although some of our most beloved Black figures were called home, many more were called out and celebrated for their amazing talents.

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Admittedly, there have been more than a few missteps in 2023. But y’all we made through another year, and that’s something to celebrate. It’s also an exciting opportunity to make a few much-needed changes. And so purely for your entertainment, we present to you our list of the 24 ultimate New Year’s resolutions that Black culture.

Pop some champagne and count down with us!

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24. Keep MLK’s Name Out Ya Mouth

24. Keep MLK’s Name Out Ya Mouth

Civil Rights Ldr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking into mike after being released fr. prison for leading boycott.
Civil Rights Ldr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking into mike after being released fr. prison for leading boycott.
Photo: Donald Uhrbrock (Getty Images)

Unless you’re celebrating MLK’s birthday and laundry list of achievements, just stop. And if we have learned anything from former President Donald Trump comparing North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it’s that we could all benefit from fewer people making MLK comparisons in 2024!

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23. Do Tell Us When You’ve Sold Your Black Card to Rich Conservatives

23. Do Tell Us When You’ve Sold Your Black Card to Rich Conservatives

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito attend a private ceremony for retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito attend a private ceremony for retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
Photo: Jacquelyn Martin-Pool (Getty Images)

This one is especially for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Going into the New Year, we highly recommend everyone just cop to any lavish gifts given to them by wealthy conservative billionaires. Not saying there aren’t Black billionaires, too, but there are some obvious differences.

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22. Cast More Black Women As Romantic Leads!

22. Cast More Black Women As Romantic Leads!

Halle Bailey Talks About Reinventing Ariel In The Little Mermaid
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Halle Bailey Talks About Reinventing Ariel In The Little Mermaid

In 2023, Black women crushed it as romantic leads in iconic roles. We want to see more of those casting choices in 2024.

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21. Protect Black Women’s Mental Health

21. Protect Black Women’s Mental Health

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Brenda Emmanus and Ruby Barker attend the Black Lens Film Festival screening of “How To Stop A Recurring Dream” at BFI Southbank on July 16, 2021 in London, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Brenda Emmanus and Ruby Barker attend the Black Lens Film Festival screening of “How To Stop A Recurring Dream” at BFI Southbank on July 16, 2021 in London, England.
Photo: Tristan Fewings (Getty Images)
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20. Decriminalize Pregnancies and Associated Care

20. Decriminalize Pregnancies and Associated Care

Image for article titled Black Culture's 24 Ultimate 2024 New Year's Resolutions
Photo: Antenna (Getty Images)

Throughout the United States, we’ve witnessed the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. States have moved to further criminalize abortion carein turn criminalizing pregnancy and worsening maternal health outcomes. So next year, this country should collectively resolve to do away with this practice that has had detrimental effects on Black women.

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19. Leave Our River Boat Captains Alone

19. Leave Our River Boat Captains Alone

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Affion Crockett carries a folding chair - a recall to the viral meme of a folding chair wielding man who aided an Alabama dock worker who was attacked in a massive brawl - at the Actively Black fashion brand’s The Black Mixtape 2 runway show at Sony Hall on September 08, 2023 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Affion Crockett carries a folding chair - a recall to the viral meme of a folding chair wielding man who aided an Alabama dock worker who was attacked in a massive brawl - at the Actively Black fashion brand’s The Black Mixtape 2 runway show at Sony Hall on September 08, 2023 in New York City.
Photo: Shannon Finney (Getty Images)
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8 / 26

18. Stop the Colorism

18. Stop the Colorism

Colman Domingo at Netflix’s HOLIGAYS Party held on December 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (
Colman Domingo at Netflix’s HOLIGAYS Party held on December 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (
Photo: Gregg DeGuire/Variety (Getty Images)

Honestly, we shouldn’t have to say this. But if you’re still a colorist, you better drop that immediately. We all have to un-learn anti-Blackness and colorism, but some of you aren’t even trying, and it shows. DO BETTER IN 2024!

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17. Do Take A Stand Against Money In Politics

17. Do Take A Stand Against Money In Politics

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 20: Actor and U.S. Senate candidate Hill Harper engages the audience during the State of Our Democracy: Voter Apathy in the Black Community panel on day two of the 2023 37th Annual NOBCO Economic Development Conference at The Westin Charlotte on October 20, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 20: Actor and U.S. Senate candidate Hill Harper engages the audience during the State of Our Democracy: Voter Apathy in the Black Community panel on day two of the 2023 37th Annual NOBCO Economic Development Conference at The Westin Charlotte on October 20, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (
Photo: Jemal Countess (Getty Images)
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10 / 26

16. Don’t Mess With Black Election Workers

16. Don’t Mess With Black Election Workers

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 15: Rudy Giuliani, the former personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs from the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. District Courthouse after a verdict was reached in his defamation jury trial on December 15, 2023 in Washington, DC. A jury has ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. (
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 15: Rudy Giuliani, the former personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs from the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. District Courthouse after a verdict was reached in his defamation jury trial on December 15, 2023 in Washington, DC. A jury has ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. (
Photo: Anna Moneymaker (Getty Images)
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11 / 26

15. Do Check-Out Black Owned Brands

15. Do Check-Out Black Owned Brands

Tapping Into Our "Why?": A Blueprint For Better Black Entrepreneurship
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Tapping Into Our “Why?”: A Blueprint For Better Black Entrepreneurship
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12 / 26

14. Maybe Don’t Downplay Slavery

14. Maybe Don’t Downplay Slavery

BETTENDORF, IOWA - DECEMBER 18: Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with his family by his side, speaks to guests during the Scott County Fireside Chat at the Tanglewood Hills Pavilion on December 18, 2023 in Bettendorf, Iowa. Iowa Republicans will be the first to select their party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential race when they go to caucus on January 15, 2024.
BETTENDORF, IOWA - DECEMBER 18: Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with his family by his side, speaks to guests during the Scott County Fireside Chat at the Tanglewood Hills Pavilion on December 18, 2023 in Bettendorf, Iowa. Iowa Republicans will be the first to select their party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential race when they go to caucus on January 15, 2024.
Photo: Scott Olson (Getty Images)

This one shouldn’t have to be said, but as we enter 2024, it feels critical to remind people that there’s no reason to downplay or justify slavery.

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13. Also, Just Stop Comparing Things To Slavery

13. Also, Just Stop Comparing Things To Slavery

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 08: Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) sits for an interview in the spin room following the NBC News Republican Presidential Primary Debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on November 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Five presidential hopefuls squared off in the third Republican primary debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined again to participate.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 08: Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) sits for an interview in the spin room following the NBC News Republican Presidential Primary Debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on November 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Five presidential hopefuls squared off in the third Republican primary debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined again to participate.
Photo: Anna Moneymaker (Getty Images)
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14 / 26

12. Don’t Be A Karen

12. Don’t Be A Karen

Image for article titled Black Culture's 24 Ultimate 2024 New Year's Resolutions
Photo: Gary John Norman (Getty Images)
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15 / 26

11. Don’t Re-Invent Literacy Tests

11. Don’t Re-Invent Literacy Tests

Rep. Ro Khanna Talks About Debating Vivek Ramaswamy & His Post-Racial Politics
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Rep. Ro Khanna Talks About Debating Vivek Ramaswamy & His Post-Racial Politics
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16 / 26

10. Don’t Hero Worship Celebrities

10. Don’t Hero Worship Celebrities

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 15: Actor Jonathan Majors leaves the courthouse following closing arguments in Majors’ domestic violence trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 15, 2023 in New York City. Majors had plead not guilty but faces up to a year in jail if convicted on misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment of an ex-girlfriend. (
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 15: Actor Jonathan Majors leaves the courthouse following closing arguments in Majors’ domestic violence trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 15, 2023 in New York City. Majors had plead not guilty but faces up to a year in jail if convicted on misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment of an ex-girlfriend. (
Photo: John Nacion (Getty Images)

We learn this lesson every year, but it’s worth a reminder going into the New Year. Celebrities are flawed like everyone else, except they have access to fame and fortune. This is a message to everyone who spent 2023 knocking down any criticism of their favorite celebrities, including Jonathan Majors and Tory Lanez. Hopefully, the New Year brings introspection.

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9. Do Go to As Many Amazing Shows As Possible

9. Do Go to As Many Amazing Shows As Possible

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 01: (Editorial Use Only) (Exclusive Coverage) Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 01: (Editorial Use Only) (Exclusive Coverage) Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage for Parkwood (Getty Images)

As Root reporter Amira Castilla proved with her incredible recap of the Renaissance Tour, life is too short not to live your epic concert dreams. Next year, find a concert that makes you as excited as Castilla was to see Beyonce.

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8. Do Hold Police Accountable For Brutality

8. Do Hold Police Accountable For Brutality

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 25: Najee Ali chants, “One down, three to go!” outside the Hennepin County Government Center after the sentencing of Derek Chauvin on June 25, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The former Minneapolis Police officer was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison today after being convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 25: Najee Ali chants, “One down, three to go!” outside the Hennepin County Government Center after the sentencing of Derek Chauvin on June 25, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The former Minneapolis Police officer was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison today after being convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd.
Photo: Stephen Maturen (Getty Images)
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7. Don’t Erase Black History

7. Don’t Erase Black History

African american girl raising her hands while sitting on her desk in the class at school. school and education concept
African american girl raising her hands while sitting on her desk in the class at school. school and education concept
Photo: Wavebreakmedia (Getty Images)
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20 / 26

6. Don’t Try To Disenfranchise Black Voters

6. Don’t Try To Disenfranchise Black Voters

African descent, young or mid-adult woman votes in the USA election. She stands at voting booth in polling station. Other voters and election day registration seen in background.
African descent, young or mid-adult woman votes in the USA election. She stands at voting booth in polling station. Other voters and election day registration seen in background.
Photo: fstop123 (Getty Images)
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5. Do Try More Black Hacks!

5. Do Try More Black Hacks!

A Simple Ponytail Hack For The Summer While The Silk Press Is On Pause
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A Simple Ponytail Hack For The Summer While The Silk Press Is On Pause
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22 / 26

4. Do Cast More Black People In Nerd Shows

4. Do Cast More Black People In Nerd Shows

The First Black Dr. Who Debuts In the Holiday Special 'The Church On Ruby Road'
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The First Black Dr. Who Debuts In the Holiday Special ‘The Church On Ruby Road’
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3. Don’t Cross A Black Woman

3. Don’t Cross A Black Woman

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Singer-Songwriter Cassie attends Buttah Skin By Dorion Renaud Holiday Pop-Up on December 14, 2022 in New York City.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Singer-Songwriter Cassie attends Buttah Skin By Dorion Renaud Holiday Pop-Up on December 14, 2022 in New York City.
Photo: Gary John Norman (Getty Images)
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2. Do Talk About Mental Health

2. Do Talk About Mental Health

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 16: Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2023 GQ Men of the Year at Bar Marmont on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 16: Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2023 GQ Men of the Year at Bar Marmont on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (
Photo: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic (Getty Images)
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1. Do Keep Demanding Better From The System!

1. Do Keep Demanding Better From The System!

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), center, joins Maximus Federal Call Center workers at a protest calling on the Biden Administration for higher wages and good federal jobs outside the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on December 12, 2023 in Washington, DC.
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), center, joins Maximus Federal Call Center workers at a protest calling on the Biden Administration for higher wages and good federal jobs outside the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on December 12, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Photo: Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Communications Workers of America (CWA)) (Getty Images)
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