7 Things Millennials Celebrated This Black History Month
Hey Alexa, play Freedom by Beyonce.
Cue: “I'ma keep running, 'Cause a winner don't quit on themselves!”
And despite what took place in the White House in January, February began a new day and new morning.
This Black History Month, Black actors, activists, coaches and more found ways to bring the sunshine when clouds continued to cave in.
But one things for sure and two things for certain is that Black History Month is not only about those who paved a way in the past. It is also about those who are continuing the work in the present to ensure we have a better and brighter future.
Here are 7 things that made us Black millennials (and our allies) smile about this month.
1. Super Bowl LIX was for the culture
Photo Credit: Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Let’s start with Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show—not just for entertainment, but for the culture. If it made you uncomfortable, then it did exactly what it was meant to do. From what is now one of Samuel L. Jackson’s most iconic roles as Uncle Sam, to Serena Williams hitting a Crip Walk, to the cryptic shoutout to Drake, and SZA’s flawless vocals (her mic was ABSOLUTELY ON), many of us tuned in only for the halftime show—and it delivered.
By the next morning, we woke up to news that Super Bowl LIX’s halftime show was the most-watched in history, drawing 133.5 million views—according to Billboard.com—even surpassing the game itself.
Photo Credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Additionally, the Eagles’ win wasn’t just for the Birds and Philly fans—it was a historic moment for Black women, too. Autumn Lockwood, the Eagles’ Associate Performance Coach, became the first Black female coach to bring home the Lombardi Trophy.
And regardless of which team you were rooting for, Jalen Hurts’ public display of affection for his fiancée, Bry Burrows, was the Black love we’ve been longing to see—especially in the NFL.
2. Black artists swept the Grammys
Photo: Doechii and Celesia Moore at 2025 Grammys JC Olivera/WireImage
We swept the Grammys stage clean and left NO CRUMBS. It gave Kendrick Lamar the ammo to go even harder at the Super Bowl. Lamar walked away as the biggest winner of the night, carrying home golden trophies for Best Music Video, Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Song, Song of the Year, and Record of the Year.
Beyoncé took home coveted awards, and if you are a member of the BeyHive, each one felt personal—especially the long-awaited Album of the Year. She also won Country Music Album of the Year, a victory that felt like the slap the country music industry needed for failing to recognize the global impact and imprint Cowboy Carter marked. This year’s ceremony officially made her the most decorated artist in Grammy history.
Doechii brought home Rap Album of the Year, becoming the third woman to win this award. She reminded us that today’s no can be tomorrow’s yes. A video surfaced of her five years before her winning night, telling the internet she had been fired from her job and was “just trying to figure it out.” Same, sis. Same.
3. Late singer AALIYAH is honored by Mattel
Photo Credit: Aaliyah doll courtesy of Mattel.
There’s nothing like seeing a Barbie doll that looks like you—or your icon. It’s amazing how a simple plastic toy can bring a smile to your face, no matter your age.
This sentiment rings especially true for millennials, who grew up with limited representation in the toy aisle. Thankfully, the next generation won’t have to say the same.
Mattel has released a Barbie doll in honor of the late R&B legend, Aaliyah. Dressed in her signature silk press with a sleek side part, the doll perfectly captures the essence of the Princess of R&B. Her outfit pays homage to her '90s classic, One in a Million a look that remains just as iconic today.
4. Metropolitan A.M.E Church Wins Rights to Proud Boys Name
Photo Credit: Metropolitan A.M.E. Church via Wikipedia
What’s done in the dark will always come to light—and that’s on the Church of Jesus Christ.
In Washington, D.C., the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church now holds the rights and symbols to the Proud Boys. Back in 2020, the terrorist group vandalized the historic house of worship, including a Black Lives Matter sign. The church fought back, filed a lawsuit, and while weeping came that night, the joy in the morning arrived with a $2.8 million judgment in its favor.
The ruling, issued on February 3rd, ensures that, according to The New York Times, the Proud Boys can no longer legally use their name or sell merchandise featuring their name or symbol—without the church’s approval.
5. Marla Gibbs is finally receiving her flowers
Photo Credit: Marla Gibbs, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
The Hollywood and Broadway legend was honored at the American Black Film Festival Honors with the Hollywood Legacy Award. At 93 years young, she’s still looking to add to her already decorated resume.
She was presented the award by her former co-star, Regina King. Upon accepting, she shared a moment of wisdom:
"I had some ladies come to me and they said, ‘Marla, I've always wanted to act. Do you think it's too late?’ I said, ‘Are you still breathing?’ They said, 'Yes.'”
Adding, “It's not too late. As long as you're here and you're still breathing.”
A five-time Emmy-nominated actress, Gibbs is best known for her iconic role as Florence in The Jeffersons. This month, she was also recognized as an Essence Black Women in Hollywood Lifetime Achievement Honoree.
In her feature with Essence, she reflected on the evolution of Black representation in entertainment, recalling a time when it was rare to see Black actors on TV. Now, she notes, it’s nearly impossible to turn on the television and not see one in every program.
6. There is a new black soap opera that debuted on CBS.
Photo Credit: Beyond the Gates images courtesy of CBS
Bad news, many major news networks have laid off our favorite news anchors. Good news, we’ve got something better to tune into instead of the gloomy news.
DRAMA! We now have the first Black soap opera in 30 years, Beyond the Gates. The soap takes place in an affluent community in Maryland and the plot surrounds the Duprees, a Black wealthy multi-generational family that encounters family secrets, scandals and more. The daytime hit stars actors, Karla Mosley, Tamara Tunie and Clifton Davis The one hour drama airs weekdays on CBS and is available for streaming.
7. Cynthia Erivo Keeps Winning
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Her Wicked streak isn’t over—if anything, her green exterior is only getting luckier. Broadway and Hollywood icon Cynthia Erivo continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, dominating headlines with announcements that seem to top the last.
Erivo has been tapped to host the 78th annual Tony Awards later this year. She will also take on the role of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar at the Hollywood Bowl. But perhaps her most thrilling accolade is just within reach—EGOT status.
If Erivo wins Best Actress for her role as Elphaba in “Wicked” at the Oscars on Sunday—where she’s also set to perform alongside Ariana Grande—she will officially enter the prestigious EGOT club. And at just 38 years young, she would make history as the youngest EGOT winner ever.