Why Celebrating the Best Things to Happen to Black People in 2025 Matters
The best things to happen to Black people in 2025 span music, sports, education, business, fashion, activism, and community leadership. These achievements—ranging from historic milestones by Black women and HBCU students to cultural movements in film and art—highlight progress, pride, and power that deserve recognition and celebration.
Cover Girls
WNBA star Angel Reese and Olympic track sensation Gabby Thomas graced the cover of VOGUE for its “When Sports Met Fashion” release. Clad in stunning outfits from Versace and Tory Burch, both athletes shared the integral roles that fashion plays in their lives. Reese expressed, “It’s always been both: Basketball and fashion,” shedding light on how intertwined these passions are.
Bringing Home the Gold
Actress Zoe Saldaña captured her first Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the acclaimed film “Emilia Pérez,” marking a significant highlight in her career.
A New Digital Home
In response to the growing exodus from platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and the uncertainty surrounding TikTok, Detroit-based Rahmaude Stringfield launched Rueblur. This innovative social media platform seeks to redefine online connections, free from traditional algorithm constraints.
Setting Educational Standards
New York City Public Schools will launch the groundbreaking Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP), introducing a pre-K-12 Black studies curriculum in the 2024-25 school year. This initiative aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of race to over a million students, setting a precedent for educational reform nationwide.
Building Black Wealth
In an inspiring move, Greenwood—a Black-founded and led mobile financial platform—aims to empower the Black community with tools to build and sustain wealth. Drawing inspiration from the historic Greenwood District of the early 1900s, this platform addresses the financial system’s shortcomings when it comes to supporting Black entrepreneurs and families.
The Super Bowl Gets a Cultural Upgrade
Noteworthy artist Tahj Williams made Super Bowl history by handcrafting the LIX logo using Black Masking Indian beading techniques. This collaboration marked the first time the NFL partnered with a local artist for the Super Bowl logo, blending cultural heritage with sports.
Gymnastics Milestone
Fisk University junior Morgan Price made history as the first gymnast from an HBCU to achieve a perfect score of 10 for her bar routine during a tri-meet at Temple University, breaking barriers in collegiate athletics.
Retail Pioneers
Winchel and Felicia Elibert have made history as the first Black couple to open a shopping center in Fayetteville, Georgia. Less than three months after Kingdom Corner’s grand opening, every retail space has been leased, showcasing their entrepreneurial spirit.
Breaking Stereotypes in Swimming
The Howard University swim team, the only Division I HBCU swimming program, proudly secured the Men’s Northeast Conference Championship for the second time in three years, while the women’s team finished strong in second place, demonstrating excellence in athletics.
Community Support and Recovery
Comedic star Cedric The Entertainer partnered with the Brotherhood Crusade to assist victims of the recent Altadena wildfires, providing them with new Fiat cars to aid in their recovery.
Historic Sports Ownership
Congratulations are in order for Issa Rae and Grammy-winning artist Tems as they make history by acquiring the San Diego Football Club. With this move, Tems becomes the first African-born woman to own a Major League Soccer team, showcasing the progressive strides being made within the sports world.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Denzel Washington’s production of “Othello” shattered records at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, grossing $2.6 million in its opening week, dominating the Broadway box office.
Young Aviator
Spelman College student Kamora Freeland has made waves as the youngest Black woman pilot in the nation and one of the youngest licensed aviators in U.S. history, obtaining her license to fly single-engine planes.
Debate Triumphs
The Texas Southern University debate team triumphed at the 35th Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament in Incheon, South Korea, marking their fifth international championship victory.
Exceptional Academic Achievement
At the remarkable age of 13, Joshua Suddith was accepted into Morehouse College, breaking Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s record for the youngest student ever enrolled at the university.
Fashion Recognition
In a milestone celebration of Black male representation in fashion, A$AP Rocky was featured on the cover of Vogue’s May edition. Styled by renowned image architect Law Roach, he has become the first Black male rapper to grace the magazine’s cover, further redefining fashion norms.
Collectible Sensation
LeBron James made history as the first professional athlete to receive his own Ken doll, which quickly sold out following its release. The doll symbolizes his incredible journey from humble beginnings to becoming a legendary basketball player and activist.
Cultural Icon Induction
The hip-hop duo OutKast received their well-deserved induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, celebrating their significant contributions to music and their pioneering Southern hip-hop sound that has shaped the genre.
A Historic Broadway Achievement
Audra McDonald has solidified her status as the most Tony-nominated performer in Broadway history with 11 nominations, showcasing her immense talent across both musicals and plays.
Omaha’s Political Milestone
In a historic political achievement, Democrat John Ewing Jr. has become Omaha’s first Black mayor, defeating a three-term GOP incumbent in a critical electoral race.
Acknowledgment of Artistry
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay was awarded the Great Americans Medal by the American History Museum, recognizing her embodiment of artistry, altruism, and advocacy.
Another Win for Angel Reese
Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese made WNBA history as the fastest player to reach over 500 points and 500 rebounds in just 38 games, breaking Tina Charles’ previous record of 44 games.
Community Restoration Efforts
As the community rallies in Altadena to recover from the devastating Eaton Fire, a coalition of Black architects and engineers has formed the Altadena Rebuild Coalition, dedicated to restoring homes and supporting the rebuilding efforts.
Civil Rights Recognition
Los Angeles unveiled a street sign at the intersection of King Boulevard and Malcolm X Way, dedicating a 5-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard in memory of the late civil rights icon, honoring his contributions to social justice.
Cinematic Milestone
Viola Davis has made film history as her movies, including “The Woman King” and “Fences,” have grossed over $15 billion worldwide, solidifying her legacy as the highest-grossing Black film actress in Hollywood.
Innovative Streaming
The highly anticipated movie “Sinners,” directed by Ryan Coogler, is set to premiere on HBO Max. This groundbreaking release features an interpretation in Black American Sign Language, marking a first for streaming services.
Signature Sneaker Launch
Reebok introduced Angel Reese’s signature shoe, marking a significant moment as she becomes the first WNBA player in nearly three decades to have a signature sneaker. Her journey serves as an inspiration for young athletes everywhere.
Brave Actions
Fousseynou Cissé is being honored for his bravery in rescuing several people during a fire in Paris. He will receive a medal from the Paris police chief to acknowledge his courage and dedication.
Recognizing Creative Vision
Grammy-winning artist Doechii graced the May cover of British Vogue, earning accolades as a “creative visionary” through her contributions to music and artistry.
Health Initiatives in Communities
NBA legend Michael Jordan continues his philanthropic work by opening a free medical clinic in North Carolina aimed at providing healthcare access to uninsured and underserved residents, demonstrating his commitment to community health.
Historic Emmy Recognition
Ayo Edebiri has made waves in Emmy history as the youngest Black woman to receive three acting nominations, also achieving nominations for both acting and directing in comedy categories for her work on “The Bear.”
Preserving African American Heritage
In Los Angeles, six significant buildings—including a barber shop and a historic LGBTQ+ club—received Historic-Cultural Monument status, ensuring the preservation of Black heritage in the city.
Youth Empowerment through Education
Kendall Rae Johnson, a 10-year-old farmer, has earned a full scholarship to HBCU South Carolina State after impressing the university’s president with her knowledge of agriculture, solidifying her future in education.
Empowering Young Readers
Araba Maze, hailing from Bowie State University, is dedicated to increasing literary access for underserved communities, focusing on diverse stories and characters to inspire young readers.
Embracing Cultural Heritage
Threatt Filling Station in Luther, Oklahoma, once a safe haven for Black families during the Jim Crow era, is now honored with a Route 66 monument, celebrating its historical significance.
Breaking New Ground in Leadership
Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede has made history as the first female head drum major of Florida A&M University’s Marching 100, showcasing her extraordinary talents and breaking barriers in HBCU traditions.
Supporting Environmental Justice
Georgia State University received a generous grant to launch the Gullah Geechee Sacred Land Project, focusing on preserving the cultural heritage and ancestral lands of the Gullah Geechee people.
Investing in HBCUs
In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Ross Moody donated $150 million to Huston-Tillotson University, marking the largest donation ever made to an HBCU, promising a brighter future for its students.
Strengthening HBCU Funding
MacKenzie Scott made headlines with her substantial donation of $70 million to UNCF, a key provider of scholarships to minority students, contributing to the crucial funding for HBCUs.
Opening Access to Literature
Solange’s new digital library, Saint Heron, aims to make rare and out-of-print works by Black and Brown writers accessible for free, emphasizing the importance of inclusive literary representation.
A New Era in Academia
Jason Arday, the youngest Black professor at the University of Cambridge, is challenging stereotypes around neurodiversity in academic spaces, paving the way for future generations.
A Historic Expansion of Service
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has chartered its first chapter in Puerto Rico, taking a significant step in the organization’s global reach and expanding its cultural impact.
A New Milestone on Stage
India Bradley has once again made history as New York City Ballet’s first Black woman principal dancer, further establishing diversity in elite ballet.
Acknowledging Historical Wrongdoings
The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has commitred to returning artworks created by the enslaved potter David Drake to his present-day descendants, a momentous acknowledgment of history.
Young Philanthropists
Eight-year-old Alex Anning made an impact by feeding over 150 families during the government shutdown, showcasing how even the youngest among us can make a difference in their communities.
Driving Innovation for Public Health
Twelve-year-old Eniola Shokunbi developed an air-filtering system validated by the EPA, set to be installed in Connecticut schools, demonstrating the impact of young innovators in health and education.
Historic Induction
DJ Spinderella, a member of the iconic Salt-N-Pepa group, has made history by becoming the first female DJ inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing her groundbreaking contributions to music.
Transforming Healthcare Access
Dr. Jubril Oyeyemi established a nonprofit clinic in New Jersey dedicated to providing affordable medical care for uninsured residents, emphasizing the importance of health equity.
Innovative Achievements
Lanny Smoot, a prolific inventor at Disney, has been inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his contributions, including the creation of the iconic lightsaber.
Reclaiming Cultural Narratives
The documentary “High Horse: The Black Cowboy,” executive produced by Jordan Peele, delves into the untold stories of Black cowboys, reasserting their significance in American history through captivating interviews and storytelling.
