Published by Mariah Sturdivant
September 4th, 2022
As another summer comes to an end, then the fun-filled pop culture moments also dissipate. There were many iconic music, movies, TV Shows, etc that came from the summer of 2022. However, the highlights of summer came from the many black women in the entertainment industry. From Beyonce to Keke Plamer, here is a list of how black women ran the summer of 2022.
Music
"About Damn Time" and How "Special" It Is
In April 2022 Lizzo released her hit song "About Damn Time" from her second studio album "Special". The song quickly became the song of the summer and absolutely blew up on TikTok. This dance sensation was performed by Lizzo on many occasions and the phenomenon soon occurred. After the release of her album "About Damn Time" reached No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100. This made Lizzo's second single to reach No.1 and she won a VMA for the song. Lizzo dropped her album "Special" soon after, at the time, it was the highest charting female album in 2022. Lizzo will soon headline a tour called 'The Special Tour' and continue her legacy.
Via Youtube.com
Nicki Minaj Expands Her Achievements
After 15 years in the Hip Hop industry, Nicki Minaj shows how prominent her stay is. Minaj released a club anthem that featured a sample from Rick James 'Super Freak'. Before the drop, Minaj's version was already a hot commodity. Fans of Nicki couldn't wait until the song dropped, and once it did, the Barbz were not disappointed. The sound 'Super Freaky Girl became a sensation leaving fans anticipating the music video. The song debuted at No.1, making this Minaj's third No.1 song and first No. 1 as a solo artist. Additionally, this is only the second time a solo rap female artist debuted a song at No. 1, with Lauryn Hill being the first. Nicki Minaj truly showed how she got the title of Queen of Rap.
via Youtube.com
You Cannot Break Beyonce's Soul
Beehives have waited six years for the next Beyonce drop, and let's just say, it was worth the wait. After Knowles's 2016 "Lemonade" fans were wondering if she can be topped, Beyonce soon proved that she indeed, can. Beyonce released a dance hit 'Break My Soul' that made many people happy. The sound received praise from both fans and critics. Soon after, Knowles's dropped her seventh studio album "Renaissance" which was heavily influenced the 1970s black house music. With the reclamation of 'house music, Beyonce's album and single both went No. 1 at the same time which only a few artists can do. Beyonce, Lizzo, and Nicki Minaj were the only black females who reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 showing the true power of black women in the music industry.
via youtube.com
Movie
Keke Palmer is On A Role
After voicing Izzy Hawthorn in the animated film "LightYear" Keke Plamer did a quick turnaround to play Emerald 'Em' Hayward in the sci-fi horror film 'Nope'. Both films received high praise from critics with some saying that Palmer stole the show in "Nope". Palmer's ambitious drive lead her to become one of the stand-out movie stars of summer. Hopefully, with the new awards season, Palmer's hard work will be rewarded.
Black Women In Horror
Amandla Sternberg and Dewanda Wise stole the show in their roles in "Bodies, Bodies, Bodies" and "Jurassic World: Dominion", respectively. With Wise playing a tough air force pilot, it was hard not for her to be the main focus in this dinosaur dystopian horror film. Similarly, Amandla put on a great performance in the black horror comedy showing how black women are regaining the power of the horror genre.
Tessa Thompson Was the Real Star
“Thor: Love and Thunder” may not have been everyone’s favorite in the franchise, but there was no doubt that Tessa Thompson’s fierce attitude was the bright light of the film. Reprising her role as Valkyrie a.k.a King of Asgard, Thompson really showed a different side of the character.
Valkyrie may not wield Thor’s mighty hammer, but that does not take away from the fact that she is the rightful owner of the screen.
TV/ Reality TV
The Reclamation of Reality TV
After the huge Big Brother 23' "The Cookout' alliance, it seems like the trajectory f reality TV has changed. Due to the lack of diversity in reality TV, CBS actually said that the network show casts will be at least 50% diverse. The network kept its promises and the number of people of color in reality TV has become more prominent. On the CBS spinoff, "The Challenge", 14 of 28 cast members are black, eight of which are black women. This is showing the true power of black women.
Black Women Taking The Emmys
As said in my previous articles, the Emmy nominations had many history-makers. Instead of just rehashing the same thing, here's a lit of black women nominated at this year's Emmys: Quinta Brunson, Lizzo, Issa Rae, Sanaa Lathan, Zendaya, Robin Theade, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, just to name a few. Hopefully, these women will take home the awards and represent.
Sports
Alyson Felix Soars
Alyson Felix's career is nothing short of impressive. Felix earned six gold medals from team relays and one from an individual event, she became the most decorated athlete in track. She is also the first female track and field athlete to win seven gold medals.
Felix's retirement is still up in the air, however, her impact on Track and Field will always be commemorated.
The GOAT a.k.a Serena Williams
On September 9th, 2022, Serena Williams officially ended her tennis career. Williams's career consisted of twenty-three grand slam wins, seb]vnty two wins, five Wimbledon singles win, and so much more. Williams really showed the power of how a black woman dominated a predominately white sport.
With various tributes narrated by various celebrities , Williams impact on the sport touched many hearts. Everytime Serena played in the U.S open this year, always landed her in the top trend on Twitter. Many celebrities showed support for Serena as she enters retirement. There is absolutely no doubt that Williams will forever be known as the G.O.A.T in tennis and her story will always and truly be inspirational.
Yess I love this blog right here. Definitely high lights all the great accomplishments so far 🤎