"Born Into Black Excellence"
The daughter of a billionaire rapper and a reality TV mogul, this person has already made waves in music and fashion. In 2024, she took the stage as Young Simba in The Lion King live concert, proving nepotism can get you anywhere.
North West
This Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader delivered one of the most iconic speeches in American history, preaching nonviolence and equality. His dream for justice and civil rights helped reshape the nation, but his legacy continues to inspire movements worldwide.
Martin Luther King Jr.
In this 2006 dramedy, a pistol-packing grandmother brings the laughs while dropping wisdom, as she helps her family navigate love, abuse, and a whole lot of drama—before bringing everyone together for a heartfelt reunion.
Madea's Family Reunion
This wild sketch comedy series, featuring members of a famous hip-hop collective, blends absurd pranks, chaotic skits, and off-the-wall humor. Think Jackass meets rap culture—because when Tyler, the Creator is involved, expect the unexpected.
Loiter Squad
"She like, 'Von, you already know, just put your girl on fleek' / I'm like, 'Cool, I can do that, boo, what you want? Some shoes?'"
Took Her to the O by King Von
This Grammy-winning performer made history as one of the youngest recipients of the award, thanks to her contribution to a powerful visual album. She has also graced the stage alongside her talented mother, effortlessly commanding arenas with her poised choreography.
Blue Ivy Carter
This Ivy League-educated attorney became America’s favorite First Lady, known for her impeccable style, inspiring speeches, and stripping school lunches of all flavor. Whether planting a White House garden or telling us “When they go low, we go high,” she’s always serving class and charisma.
The Lovely Michelle Obama
In this 2012 rom-com, a group of men find themselves struggling to keep the upper hand in relationships after their partners start following advice from a best-selling book. With love, laughs, and a star-studded cast, the battle of the sexes has never been funnier.
Think Like A Man
This hit HBO series follows a witty but awkward protagonist as she navigates love, career struggles, and messy friendships in Los Angeles—all set to a fire soundtrack. With relatable moments and mirror raps, it redefined modern Black storytelling on TV.
Insecure
"Unsure of what the balance held / I touched my belly overwhelmed / By what I had been chosen to perform."
To Zion by Lauryn Hill
An actor, rapper, and eco-entrepreneur, this multifaceted artist made his big-screen debut alongside his famous father before forging his own path with genre-bending music and a sustainable water brand. His unique fashion sense and philosophical tweets have also made him a cultural enigma.
Memorable quote: "Can we talk about like, the political and economic state of the world right now?"
Jaden Smith
This self-made millionaire built a beauty empire that revolutionized Black haircare in the early 1900s. As an entrepreneur and philanthropist, she used her wealth to uplift her community, proving that success is even sweeter when shared.
Madam CJ Walker
This horror-comedy sequel takes parody to the next level as a group of unlucky college students spend the night in a haunted mansion. With unforgettable moments like a possessed parrot, a creepy butler with a tiny hand, and plenty of outrageous spoofs, this film proves that the only thing scarier than ghosts is bad decisions.
Scary Movie 2
This critically acclaimed sitcom follows a successful Black family as they balance cultural identity, parenting, and social issues—all with humor and heart. With a stylish dad, a wisecracking grandma, and kids with plenty of opinions, it’s a fresh take on modern family life.
Black-ish
"Golden rubbers in these denim pockets / On my waist, there's a black Glock."
She by Tyler the Creator
This flashy NBA point guard was destined for the spotlight, following in the footsteps of his basketball-star brothers and outspoken father. After a stint overseas, he became the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Charlotte Hornets.
Memorable quote: "I don't run it"
LaMelo Ball
Born enslaved but destined for greatness, this self-taught intellectual became a leading abolitionist, author, and advisor to presidents. With a mane of legendary hair and a gift for powerful speeches, he proved that knowledge is the key to freedom.
Frederick Douglass
This 1993 hood classic follows a young man trying to escape the cycle of violence in South Central L.A. With a gripping storyline, unforgettable performances, and a lesson that "the hunt is on," this film remains a cornerstone of ‘90s Black cinema.
Menace II Society
This genre-bending dramedy follows an aspiring music manager navigating the rap scene in Georgia’s capital while dealing with surreal encounters, social commentary, and an unpredictable best friend. Created by a multi-talented artist, it redefined what TV could be.
Atlanta
"Shine bright like a diamond / Find light in the beautiful sea, I choose to be happy."
Diamonds by Rihanna
A runway regular and beauty entrepreneur, this model has built her own brand beyond her famous last name. Known for her high-profile romances and effortless style, she also launched a skincare line that caters to melanin-rich skin.
Lori Harvey
Born into slavery but destined for activism, this powerful orator delivered an iconic speech questioning gender and racial inequality. A fearless abolitionist and women’s rights advocate, she asked, “Ain’t I a Woman?”—a question that still echoes today.
Sojourner Truth
In this 1988 comedy classic, a charming African prince trades his royal palace for a rundown Queens apartment in search of true love. Along the way, he flips burgers, dodges gold diggers, and meets some of the funniest barbershop characters in cinema history.
Coming to America
Before they were Hollywood superstars, comedians like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and the Wayans family got their start on this ‘90s sketch comedy show. With unforgettable characters, bold social satire, and the iconic Fly Girls, it brought a new kind of funny to primetime TV.
In Living Color
"Tell the angels no, I don't wanna leave my baby alone / I don't want nobody else to hold you, that's a chance I'll take."
Heaven Can Wait by Michael Jackson