Made by Jasmine Browley
I don t know about you but I can unequivocally say that this year has housed one of the blackest, loudest and proudest Black History Months in a long time. Should we really be surprised, though? Countless horrifically unjustifiable acts against people of color have been captured and broadcasted frame by frame via social media over the past few years, leaving us angry. And bewildered. And tired. So yea, on the heels of one of our own saying that there shouldn t be a Black History Month , some unabashed, unapologetic, transformative BlackPrideMagicPowerLove is long overdue. A little over a two weeks into it, Black History Month has been littered with amazing moments and I personally can t wait to see what the rest of the month is going to look like. Here are the most beautiful moments of #BHM thus far.
1. NAACP Awards realness
In what felt like a mash up of a family reunion and a morning worship service, the NAACP had many Amen moments. Honoring the best in TV, film and philanthropic efforts, some of the industrys Blackest and brightest stars subtly acknowledged the #OscarsSoWhite epidemic and the overall lack of diversity in Hollywood with powerful acceptance speeches, candid red carpet interviews and strategically placed political statements.
But perhaps the most memorable moment of the ceremony has to be the masterful way the shows host, Anthony Anderson, delivered some smooth shade to actress and Fox News contributor, Stacey Dash for calling to get rid of the NAACP Awards in her misguided attempt to quell racial injustice.
Baby, dont let em use you, he continued. Come back to the black people and get back to work on some of those beautiful C-movies that you used to do!
2. President Obamas BHM Speech
Yet another reminder that the end of the Golden Era is swiftly approaching, President Obamas last Black History Month proclamation of his tenure was a little over a week ago.
When Jim Crow mocked the advances made by the13th Amendment, a new generation of men and women galvanized and organized with the same force of faith as their enslaved ancestors. Our Nations young people still echo the call for equality, bringing attention to disparities that continue to plague our society in ways that mirror the non-violent tactics of the civil rights movement while adapting to modern times.
3. Cam Newtons come up
Although America is chastising his reaction to his teams Super Bowl loss, Cam still has undeniably been the posterchild of the #CarefreeBlackboy since the ink on his deal dried a few years ago. His athletic prowess and his I dont care if my joy makes you uncomfortable attitude has us all here for Cam and his Versace pants.
Newton was named the 2015 NFL MVP of the year, the first Black quarterback to do so and just the third Black quarterback to play in the Super Bowl this past Sunday.
4. Beyonces everything
Where do I even start?
In typical Beyonce fashion, she (and her Black Panther attired dancers) came, f–cked up sh–, and left the Super Bowl (and the world) in shambles on Sunday. But in a bit of a departure from her typically feminist, self affirming approach, her latest project was one of the most direct political statements of her entire long and storied career.
The video for Formation touched on her love of her own Blackness, her appreciation for ours, and her demand of respect for both from the rest of the world.
My daddy Alabama. Mama Louisiana.
You mix that negro with that Creole make a Texas Bama.
A little boy dancing in a black hoodie in front of white police officers garbed in riot gear. A New Orleans Squad Car submerged in murky water. Proud little #CarefreeBlackGirls wearing their natural kinky curly crowns. What more can I say other than quintessential Black and so friggin proud.
Happy Black History Month!
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