Arts and culture: A look at top moments in 2024 

By Aria Brent AFRO Workers Author abrent@afro.com 

This 12 months has had some thrilling moments on this planet of artwork, leisure and popular culture. From music to artwork to training and every thing else in between, 2024 was filled with occasions that saved the Black group speaking. Right here’s a timeline of some native and nationwide information that basically stood out in 2024. 

January 

Katt Williams’ Interview on “Membership Shay Shay”– Jan. 3

On the high of the 12 months, comic Katt Williams appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s podcast, “Membership Shay Shay,” delivering a candid and unfiltered interview.Within the interview that was seen by thousands and thousands of individuals, he mentioned numerous subjects, together with critiques of business friends, which sparked widespread dialogue amongst the world of comedy and leisure. 

Da’Vine Pleasure Randolph and Ayo Edebiri seize Golden Globes – Jan 7

Da’Vine Pleasure Randolph (left) and Ayo Edebiri ended the night time of Jan. 7 as 2024 Golden Globe Award winners. Randolph took residence the trophy for finest actress in a supporting function for “The Holderovers,” and Ayo Edebiri gained finest actress in a musical or comedy tv collection for her work on “The Bear.”

February 

Killer Mike sweeps the Grammys – Feb. 4

Killer Mike had an enormous night time on the 2024 Grammys, held Feb. 4. The 48-year-old rapper took residence Grammy Awards in three completely different classes, together with Greatest Rap Album for “Michael,” and Greatest Rap Efficiency and Greatest Rap Track for “Scientists and Engineers.” The wins solidified Killer Mike’s title as a grasp storyteller, lyricist and hip hop legend.

Usher’s Tremendous Bowl LVIII Halftime Present – Feb. 11 

Usher delivered a show-stopping Tremendous Bowl halftime efficiency, lighting up the stage with a medley of his biggest hits. Combining electrifying choreography, beautiful visuals and shock visitor appearances, the R and B icon showcased his signature type and reminded followers why he’s a worldwide famous person.

March

Kendrick Lamar and Drake beef– March 22

The continuing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake intensified in 2024, fueled by a string of diss tracks and public accusations. The strain reignited on March 22, when Lamar’s verse on Future’s tune “Like That” took purpose at Drake and J. Cole– questioning their positions in rap. Drake fired again with songs like “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle,” escalating the feud. Lamar responded with “Euphoria”, “6:16 in LA,” and his chart topping tune “Not Like Us” sparking a fast-paced alternate of diss tracks.

Houses of Sean “Love” Combs raided – March 25

On March 25,  federal brokers raided Sean “Love” Combs’ houses in Los Angeles and Miami as a part of a significant investigation into allegations of intercourse trafficking and racketeering. The raids led to the seizure of unlawful narcotics, modified firearms and different objects related to the case. The investigation has intensified public scrutiny of the music mogul, who was later indicted on a number of expenses.

Beyoncé Releases Cowboy Carter – March 29 

Beyoncé made waves with the discharge of her extremely anticipated album “Cowboy Carter” in March. Mixing her signature artistry with daring new sounds, the album showcased themes of empowerment, resilience and freedom, all set towards a backdrop of modern manufacturing. Followers and critics alike celebrated this newest chapter in her ever-evolving musical journey. The discharge sparked a lot debate about Black artists within the nation house, and the highlight spilled onto artists like Collins Obinna “Shaboozey” Chibueze and Brittney Spencer. 

April

50 Cent opens G-Unit Studios – April. 18

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson launched G-Unit Studios to increase his attain into movie, tv and digital media. The studio aimed to create impactful content material, constructing on his success with the present, “Energy,” and different ventures, positioning him as a key participant within the leisure business.

Black Results Podcast Pageant– April 27

Radio host and media persona, Charlamagne Tha God teamed up with iHeartRadio to host the 2024 Black Impact Podcast Pageant at Pullman Yards in Atlanta. The occasion highlighted Black voices within the podcast business, that includes stay recordings of standard exhibits like “Rigorously Reckless with Jess Hilarious” together with panel discussions on podcasting and model partnerships.

Might

CNN releases footage of Sean “Love” Combs assaulting ex-girlfriend– Might 17 

On Might 17, the drama surrounding Sean “Love” Combs continued as CNN launched footage of him from 2016 the place he might be seen abusing his then girlfriend Cassandra “Cassie” High-quality (neé Ventura) within the hall of a California resort. 

June

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” Juneteenth efficiency – June 19

Kendrick Lamar headlined “The Pop Out: Ken and Mates” live performance on June 19, on the Kia Discussion board in Inglewood, Calif., celebrating Juneteenth and Black Music Month. The occasion featured over 25 West Coast artists, together with Ty Dolla Signal, YG and Dr. Dre. Lamar carried out his hit diss monitor “Not Like Us” 5 occasions on the occasion. The live performance was stay streamed on Amazon Music. Critics hailed the occasion as a major second for West Coast hip-hop and Lamar’s legacy. The tune additionally took off and have become a high hit of the 12 months, topping at primary for 21 weeks on Billboard’s Sizzling Rap Songs chart . 

Sacramento State acknowledged as a Black-serving institution- June 6

Sacramento State was acknowledged as a Black serving establishment by the U.S. Division of Schooling, highlighting its dedication to supporting Black college students. This designation emphasizes the college’s efforts to advertise variety and inclusion in greater training.

July

Apollo Theatre introduced as recipient of Kennedy Middle Honor – July 18

This summer time the Kennedy Middle introduced the forty seventh class of honorees which included the historic Apollo Theatre. For 90 years, Harlem’s world well-known Apollo Theatre has stood as a pillar inside the Black group offering an surroundings for creativity, group and tradition to thrive. The Apollo is the primary establishment of its variety to obtain this honor. 

AppleTV+ premieres Woman within the Lake, that includes native expertise– July 19

The Apple TV+ collection “Woman within the Lake” premiered starring Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram. Set in Sixties Baltimore, the thriller thriller follows Portman’s character as she investigates the unsolved homicide of a Black lady, uncovering darkish secrets and techniques in regards to the metropolis. The collection was primarily based on the true story of Shirley Parker, a Baltimore lady who went lacking on April 23, 1969 and featured native expertise to assist painting the story. The AFRO American Newspapers was the one publication to do intensive protection of her disappearance. 

Simone Biles makes Olympic historical past– July 21

On the 2024 Paris Olympics, Simone Biles made historical past by turning into essentially the most adorned gymnast of all time. With a collection of beautiful performances, she earned a number of gold medals, surpassing the earlier file for Olympic gymnastics achievements. Biles’ outstanding success solidified her legacy as one of many biggest athletes in Olympic historical past.

August

Jessica Hyatt turns into Chess Grasp– Aug. 4

Jessica Hyatt made historical past at solely 16 years outdated by turning into a chess grasp– a outstanding achievement within the aggressive chess world. She is the second Black lady to ever maintain this title and her strategic brilliance led her to earn the celebrated title. Hyatt’s accomplishment has been celebrated as a major milestone in breaking limitations for Black girls in chess.

September

Sean “Love” Combs arrested – Sept. 17

Whether or not you name him “Puffy,” “Puff Daddy,” “P.Diddy” or “Love,” followers of Sean Combs worldwide have been shocked to see the music mogul in handcuffs on Sept. 17. The troubles started in Nov. 2023, when Combs settled a lawsuit filed by Casandra “Cassie” High-quality (neé Ventura) inside 24 hours of the preliminary submitting. The lawsuit alleged a number of abusive allegations.

November

Denzel Washington pronounces ultimate initiatives and new endeavors – Nov. 12

Legendary actor Denzel Washington introduced in early November that he was planning on stepping away from performing following a collection of upcoming initiatives together with the upcoming “Gladiator II” movie, the broadway productions of “Othello” and “King Lear” and the unannounced however extremely anticipated Black Panther 3. Washington famous that after a long time of labor, he’s able to embrace the subsequent chapter of his life and pursue different issues like directing. 

Cynthia Erivo stars in “Depraved”– Nov. 27

Singer and actress, Cynthia Erivo starred as Elphaba within the movie adaptation of the Broadway hit, “Depraved,” marking the primary time within the historical past of the musical a lady of coloration was solid within the function. The Tony award successful expertise introduced depth and emotion to the story of the green-skinned witch, alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda.

Twitch Streamer Kai Cenat breaks subscriber file– Nov. 22 

Kai Cenat broke the Twitch streaming file for many concurrent subscribers, solidifying his standing as one of many platform’s largest creators. Recognized for his high-energy content material and interesting persona, Cenat’s milestone marked a historic second within the streaming world, celebrated by followers and fellow creators alike.

December

Likelihood the Rapper recordsdata for divorce – Dec. 13

Likelihood “Likelihood the Rapper” Bennett and his spouse Kirsten Corley, are divorcing after eight months of separation. The couple first acquired collectively in 2013 and have been married  since 2019. They share two daughters and plan to co-parent amicably. The cut up follows public scrutiny of their relationship in April 2023 after Bennett was seen dancing with one other lady. 

Yvette Nicole Brown will get married– Dec. 14

Yvette Nicole Brown, star of NBC’s “Neighborhood,” married actor Anthony Davis on Dec. 14 in Beverly Hills. The intimate ceremony featured heartfelt touches, stay performances and a customized robe honoring Brown’s late mom. The couple, who reunited in 2021, celebrated discovering love later in life.

Tyler Perry’s 6888th Film premieres on Netflix – Dec. 20

Tyler Perry premiered his movie “The Six Triple Eight” which tells the inspiring true story of the one all-Black, all-female battalion deployed abroad throughout World Warfare II. The ladies of the 6888th Central Postal Listing Battalion sorted thousands and thousands of backlogged letters to spice up soldier morale. Perry’s movie highlights their braveness, resilience and the impression of their missed contributions to historical past. Throughout World Warfare 2, the AFRO lined the 6888 and has maintained a big archive assortment of their work.