Black Voicesblack celebritiesDrakeSerena Williams

20 Most Memorable Moments In Black Entertainment That Defined 2015

What a time to be alive. *Drake voice*
Open Image Modal
By 

Copy Editor, HuffPost

This year oozed black excellence. From Drake's "Hotline Bling" dance moves to everyone wanting to do the "Nae Nae" or singing "Trap Queen" to Serena Williams dominating tennis, there was never a dull moment and the influence of black culture could be found everywhere. 

We've rounded up the 20 most memorable moments from black entertainment that without a doubt helped to define 2015. 

"What A Time To Be Alive" by Drake And Future was a damn good surprise album.
Google
Drake and Future's collaborative album spawned hits like "Jumpman," "Big Rings," and "Change Locations." This album pretty much solidified 2015 as the year of Drake.
Cam Newton dabs on national television.
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton celebrated after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in a football game on Nov. 15, by doing the "dab." The media frenzy that ensued led to everyone wanting to mimic the dance created by rap group Migos.
Janelle Monae became known as an activist with a message.
Prince Williams via Getty Images
The singer alongside her Wondaland collective released a song titled, "Hell You Talmbout." In the stirring protest song about policing she chants the names of Sandra Bland, Freddie Gray and all the other countless other individuals who have been unjustly killed. Monae also teamed up with the Black Lives Matter movement this year in Philadelphia.
"Trap Queen" had enormous crossover success.
If the "Nae Nae" was the most popular dance of the year then "Trap Queen" was the most popular song. Fetty Wap's smash hit skyrocketed the New Jersey rapper to instant fame and had everyone, including Taylor Swift, singing "Trap Queen."
Spike Lee and "Chi-Raq" vs. Rahm vs. Chicago
Brook Christopher via Getty Images
Spike Lee's newest film, "Chi-Raq" hasn't been without it's share of controversy and anticipation. The mayor of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, openly spoke out against the director and the title of the film and accused Lee of trying to paint him as a villain. In an interview with Chicago magazine, Lee said in response to Emanuel's claims, "Mayor, your honor, you’re gonna be on the wrong side of history." The city's residents aren't too pleased with Emanuel, either.
Serena Williams was way too busy winning this year.
JEWEL SAMAD via Getty Images
Serena Williams dominated tennis this year, and it's no wonder that she was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year. From winning three major titles to being one Grand Slam title away from breaking Steffi Graf’s Open-era record, she has been killing it in 2015. Not to mention, she's the first individual woman to receive the Sportsperson of the Year honor in more than three decades. Oh and let's not forget she's a superhero, too.
Viola Davis' win at the Emmy Awards was a win for all black women.
Steve Granitz via Getty Images
Viola Davis delivered an absolutely soul stirring speech for her win in the category of Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role in "How to Get Away with Murder" at the 67th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in September. "The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity," Davis said in her acceptance speech. Well said!
Hamilton topped Billboard charts.
Walter McBride via Getty Images
"Hamiliton" made its Broadway debut in August and has been slaying the stage ever since. The show is breaking records, as it is the highest topping show ever on Billboard charts along with having the largest debut sales week for a digital cast album. The show uses hip-hop to tell the story with a cast of both men and women of color to play characters who were all white. If you want to catch a show, you should hurry because calling it a hot ticket would be an understatement.

What was your favorite moment from this year? Let us know in the comments section below!

Also on HuffPost: 

Holiday Gift Guide To Deck The Halls With Black Pride
For The Magical Black Girl(01 of15)
Open Image Modal
It's clear that black girls are magic, and now you can wear that magic on your sleeve. This gear is selling quickly, so purchase yours before they run out.

Buy it here. (credit:TeeSpring)
For The Conscious Style Icon(02 of15)
Open Image Modal
If you know someone that likes to look good while standing for a cause then the present you might be looking for is a social activist T-shirt. The Very Black project's pro-black apparel is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to make a statement.

Buy it here. (credit:Justin Fulton and Andre Singleton)
The Unapologetic Homemaker(03 of15)
Open Image Modal
Whenever white people complain about people of color addressing issues of racism or inequality, feel free to light a white tears candle. This hilarious gift is the perfect stocking stuffer!

Buy it here. (credit:Etsy)
For The Intersectional Feminist Fashionista(04 of15)
Open Image Modal
The African American Policy Forum's #SayHerName campaign has been successful in raising awareness about the issues which affect all black women. The names of black women who were victims of police brutality are boldly printed on these T-shirts, and would make the perfect gift for the intersectional feminist fashionista.

Buy it here. (credit:Kimberle Crenshaw)
For The Black Girl Who Rocks Out(05 of15)
Open Image Modal
The Tinsel audio necklace are headphones that can also function as a trendy necklace. This gift is perfect for any music lover!

Buy it here. (credit:Tinsel)
For The Young Naturalista(06 of15)
Open Image Modal
Natural hair dolls are a must-have for any magical black girl. Healthy Roots and Pretti One World Dolls both create dolls that celebrate the beauty of natural hair and are great gifts for the carefree black girl on your holiday list.

Pre-order a Healthy Roots Doll here and buy a Pretti One World Doll here. (credit:Yelitsa Jean-Charles)
For The Artsy Trendsetter(07 of15)
Open Image Modal
Artist Sab Rena makes dope apparel with bold prints which celebrates women of color. Any gift from this company is sure to wow the chic style icon on your shopping list.

Buy it here. (credit:Sab Rena/Society 6)
For The Classic Man(08 of15)
Open Image Modal
If you're trying to find a gift for the "classic man" on your list consider giving him a shaving kit by Bevel. The company specializes in black men's grooming and hair care products.

Buy it here. (credit:Jose Luis Pelaez Inc via Getty Images)
For The Risk Taker(09 of15)
Open Image Modal
TV's reigning queen, Shonda Rhimes, is encouraging us all to be bold in her new book Year of Yes. Anyone unwrapping this gift is sure to say "yaaas!"

Buy it here. (credit:Simon )
For The Trailblazer(10 of15)
Open Image Modal
Janet Mock, host of MSNBC's "So Popular!" is a fierce advocate for trans women of color, and her book Redefining Realness is the ideal gift to inspire the trailblazer in your life.

Buy it here. (credit:Desiree Navarro via Getty Images)
For The Social Justice Bookworm(11 of15)
Open Image Modal
Award-winning journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates is known for writing about issues of racial inequality. Earlier this year, Coates released his first book Between The World and Me which reflects on his experiences growing up. This is definitely a stocking stuffer for any woke book lover on your list.

Buy it here. (credit:The Washington Post via Getty Images)
For The Blerd(12 of15)
Open Image Modal
Just because you're black doesn't mean you can't be a nerd. Blerds would be more than happy to receive a subscription for Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, about a young black girl superhero. It's the ideal present for the blerd in your life.

Buy it here. (credit:Marvel)
For Celebrating 365 Days Of Black Pride(13 of15)
Open Image Modal
The best gift to prepare for a new year is a calendar, and photographer Setti Kidane has created one that celebrates black history every month of the year with "12 Months Of Melanin."

Buy it here. (credit:Setti Kidane/12mm)
For The Drama Lover(14 of15)
Open Image Modal
Several actors have brought black excellence to Broadway this year, and "Hamilton" has been rocking the playhouse with its predominantly black cast. If you're in New York City, then tickets to see the musical would be an exciting gift for the woke theatre-goer.

Buy tickets here. (credit:Lucas Jackson / Reuters)
For The Life Of The Party(15 of15)
Open Image Modal
Forget spades, if you enjoy celebrating black culture then this is the game that you should be playing at your next family event! Black Card Revoked by Cards For All People is a game that test players knowledge of black history and entertainment, and it's a lot of fun.

Buy it here. (credit:Cards For All People)

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip