20 Years of Uplifting Black Media: The Top 10 Defining Moments You Should Know
The news cycle can be filled with stories that don’t always show the world, especially Black people, in a positive light.
On the other hand, there are stories that aim to inform, uplift, and inspire, which is why aspireTV took a moment to highlight some of the most empowering moments in black media over the past twenty years.
In honor of National Uplift Someone Day on Wednesday, Oct. 30, aspireTV is celebrating pivotal moments in Black culture that have uplifted, united, and inspired our community. From milestones that sparked collective joy to achievements that continue to shape our future, we’re looking back at ten defining moments from the past two decades that every generation should remember and celebrate. These are the moments that not only lifted our spirits but also strengthened our bond as a community and ignited our drive to keep pushing forward.
Barack Obama’s Historic Presidential Election and Inauguration (2008)
The world seemingly stopped on this day 16 years ago when Barack Obama accepted his inauguration into the White House after being elected as the first Black president of the United States. This monumental moment in American history symbolized hope, progress as well as a breakthrough in racial barriers at the time.
The Launch of OWN—Oprah Winfrey Network (2011)
Through The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah not only made a name for herself in households across America, but she curated moments in pop culture that continue to stand the test of time. For 25 seasons, from 1986 to 2011, her afternoon talk show highlighted some of the best of times, and the worst of times, catapulting Oprah into the American sensation she’s known as today. In 2011, she made history as the first Black woman to own a television network when she launched OWN.
Viola Davis Wins Lead Actress Emmy (2015)
This historic and emotional moment was televisied during the 2015 Emmy Awards when Viola Davis became the first Black woman to win the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series thanks to her role in Shonda Rhimes’ How To Get Away With Murder, marking a siginicant time not only for Davis, but the Black woman behind so many of America’s beloved primetime television series including Scandal and Greys Anatomy, Shonda Rhimes.
Beyoncé’s *Lemonade* and *Homecoming* Celebrate Black Excellence (2016 & 2019)
There was a shift in the atmosphere when Beyoncé decided to premiere Lemonade as a film on HBO in 2016. The deeply personal album highlighted some of the singer’s personal experiences with infidelity, self-worth, and more and quickly became yet another career-defining moment in the legacy of her artistry. Her return three years later was just as impactful when Beyoncè became the first Black woman to headline Coachella. She used the moment to pay homage to HBCU culture and Black excellence, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer for cultural pride and empowerment.
Issa Rae’s *Insecure* Breaks New Ground (2016-2021)
Through the hit television series Insecure, Issa Rae became the first Black woman to create and star in a scripted series for HBO and she quickly rose to fame because of it. Thanks to her knack for authentic storytelling, specifically Black millennial life in Insecure, Issa Rae became a contender in both the television and film space. Insecure was much more than representation on the TV screen, it was proof that with hard work and perserverance the opportunities as a Black creative are endless.
Tyler Perry Opens the Largest Black-Owned Film Studio (2019)
Tyler Perry infiltrated the system when he used his Madea screenplays to capture the hearts of audiences across the U.S. From there, they became movies and it wasn’t long before his name was being mentioned alongside the Spike Lee and John Singleton’s of the world. In 2019, Perry took things a step further, becoming the first Black entrepreneur in the states to open the largest film studio in the city of Atlanta.
Kamala Harris Becomes the First Black and South Asian Woman Vice President (2021)
Kamala Harris is currently looking to make history again as she is in the running to become the first woman to lead the nation, but prior to this moment in the U.S. political landscape she became the first Black and South Asian woman Vice President under the leadership of President Joe Biden.
Ketanji Brown Jackson Confirmed as the First Black Woman Supreme Court Justice (2022)
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 was a watershed moment in American legal and political history. She became the first Black woman to hold a seat on the nation’s highest court, advancing diversity and representation at the highest levels of the judiciary.
Quinta Brunson’s Emmy Win for *Abbott Elementary* (2022)
In 2022, Quinta Brunson made history as the first Black woman to win the Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for *Abbott Elementary*. Her achievement was a testament to the impact of Black creatives in television and the significance of authentic storytelling in the comedy genre.
The Woman King Celebrates Black Women’s Power in Film (2022)
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and starring Viola Davis, *The Woman King* (2022) told the story of the Agojie, an all-female warrior unit from West Africa. The film was a groundbreaking moment in cinema, celebrating the power, strength, and stories of Black women on screen.
Rihanna Headlines the Super Bowl Halftime Show (2023)
In 2023, Rihanna headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, becoming the first Black woman billionaire to do so. Her performance celebrated her return to the stage while highlighting her influence as a music icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
