Another year is in the books. 2014 presented some highs and lows for the black community. With all of the turmoil, we cannot enter the new year without reflecting on the enjoyable times, especially when it comes to pop culture and our black favorite celebrities doing their thing. I gathered a list of unforgettable moments of the year that are worth celebrating.
DEAR WHITE PEOPLE SPARKS A CULTURAL PHENOMENON
White privilege is real. The comedy about racial perplexities, cultural differences and stereotypes all collide on a fictitious college campus. Dear White People sparked a conversation this year, particularly for millennials about today’s views on race. While the title sounds like an open letter to white people about their often seemingly rigid attitudes about race, the message also gave a renewed sense of the black pride movement.
SHONDA RHIMES MASSACRED THURSDAY NIGHTS
When is the last time a black woman created three highly rated dramas, on the same night airing on one of the “big three” networks. According to my history books, the answer is never. Shonda Rhimes has been at the center of conversation all year for her diverse characters with dynamic plot twists that leaves you asking “how the hell did you come up with that”. Millions continue to tune in for Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal and newcomer, How to Get Away with Murder. All three shows push the envelope with racy scenes driven by strong female leads. Like the shows or not, mama is still getting paid.
LAVERNE COX FLAWLESSLY COVERS TIME MAG
You are likely living under a rock if you haven’t heard or watched snippets of Orange is the New Black. Laverne Cox’s character, Sophia, is all diva living inside as a transgender person inside a women’s federal prison. Her on-screen struggles presented more attention to the complexities of transgender life. Because of her prominence as an actress and activist, Laverne became the first transgender to pose for the cover of Time Magazine.
KEKE WOWS IN A SERIES OF FIRSTS
Keke Palmer is no longer a child star with the witty one-liners, playing feisty characters. Nowadays, the 21-year-old is busy playing the role of a lifetime; the first black Cinderella on Broadway. With that major accomplishment under her belt, Keke also managed to secure the title of “youngest talk show host” in BET’s Just Keke. The sky is definitely not her limit.
LUPITA PROVES YOUR DREAMS ARE VALID
Lupita N’yongo epitomizes the “black girls rock” movement. Her feature role in 12 Years a Slave earned her the “Best Supporting Actress” title. She was also named “The Most Beautiful Woman” by People Magazine. If you ever need a little encouragement, Lupita’s acceptance speech is absolutely one to remember.
DR. DRE JOINS THE BILLIONAIRE CLUB
Introducing, the first billionaire in hip-hop. Who knew rap would ever take it this far? Dr. Dre’s genius idea to enhance everyday headphones by adding a one-of-a-kind listening experience to the device. They sold like hotcakes. Everyone who is someone has a pair of Beats by Dre. Then, Apple got in on the action and the rest is history.
OPRAH REUNITES THE CAST OF A DIFFERENT WORLD
A Different World lovers are still holding onto dreams that Debbie Allen will reboot the classic Cosby Show spin-off. That didn’t exactly go as planned. Mother Oprah worked her magic and instead orchestrated a mini-reunion. The primary cast came together in October for an episode of Oprah: Where Are They Now?. Long live Hillman!
SOLANGE GOT HITCHED
Don’t you dare call her Beyonce’s little sister. Solange has and always will be her own woman. She broke the Internet twice in 2014. We won’t talk about the sh*t that goes down when there’s a billion dollars in an elevator. More recently, she and music video director, Alan Ferguson wed in a “Solangesque” elaborate New Orleans wedding. Bicycling to the chapel? Movie night for the guests? Everyone in white. The photos are everything!
MO’NE DAVIS PULLED A FAST ONE ON THE BOYS
The 13-year-old is named Sports Illustrated ‘Sports Kid of the Year” after her impressive performance in the Little League World Series. Colleges are already eyeing her. She has been featured in just about every major news outlet and even landed her own spot in the actual World Series. Her positive impact stretches well beyond the diamond.
WILL PACKER KEPT US AT THE MOVIES
Familiarize yourself with this guy. Ever heard of: No Good Deed, Think Like a Man Too or Ride Along. All number one black films produced by Will Packer. There’s word he even has a sitcom in the works on NBC. It’s safe to say Packer won 2014 in film.
THE YEAR OF THROWBACK REUNIONS
2014 felt like the 90’s all over again. This is evident in several music reunions of the stage. Where to begin? Brandy, Yo-Yo, MC Lyte and Queen Latifah hit the 2014 Hip Hop Awards stage to perform the 1994 hit, I Wanna Be Down (Remix). The original Queen Bee, Missy Elliot and Da Brat killed it at the Soul Train Music Awards. And of course, we can’t forget about Jodeci’s lip syncing reunion.
THE CARTERS PRETTY MUCH SNATCHED OUR EDGES EVERYDAY
January: “Drunk in Love” at the Grammy Awards
March: Mrs. Carter World Tour wraps
May: They warned us it was coming
June: On the Run Tour began
August: Blu Ivy steals the “Beymas”
September: On the Run Tour wraps; Exclusive HBO concert
October: Beyonce debuted new bangs; The Carters tour Paris
November: Ring Off and 7/11 released
December: Beyonce releases nail art.
