The Top 5 Black Girl Moments for Juneteenth
Viral moments that live rent-free in my mind ‘til this day.
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Let’s celebrate Juneteenth by highlighting the top 5 moments Black women stole the show via the Internet, through memes, dance routines, and must-see TV…
#1 - Defying Gravity
Clad in performance wear and thickness, Ciara showed us how basic we are using a simple folding chair.
She never failed in delivering sensual athleticism, but this time around she took it TOO FAR. And we loved it!
Between the hilarious re-enactments and Cici taking the chair internationally, it was hard to escape the “Ecstacy” challenge for sure.
#2 The MTA Messed With the Right One Today
This was funny to me, if not to the rest of the world. As a native New Yorker, it always warms my heart when we find creative ways to catch an attitude.
The viral footage shows a Black girl standing defiantly in the bus lane, refusing to let the driver pass after he refused to let her on.
IYKYK—MTA staff will play in your face on the busiest, high-traffic days when you need to get to work or an appointment. If “I got time today” and “You messed with the right one” were a person, she would definitely be a Black woman from NYC.
#3 - When We See Ourselves
I’ll never get over how well Mara Brock Akil adapted Judy Blume’s “Forever” for Netflix, and with young Black girls in mind. As I wrote in my recap, this was a monumental moment for Black girls to know they can be “kooky, coquettish, and a bit confident.”
The emotional growth and truth-telling about what it could mean to be Black and in love? 10 points. No notes. Instant classic.
#4 - Equestrian Elegance on the Red Carpet
Jodie Turner-Smith delivered the Met Gala’s most jaw-dropping ensemble. She understood the assignment, wearing a bespoke leather outfit complete with a tailored riding jacket and top hat, paying homage to a 19th-century Black horsewoman (did you know there were Black horsewomen in the 19th Century???).
She gave us both a silhouette and a history lesson that properly celebrated Black Dandyism. André Leon Talley is dancing in his grave.
#5 - The Most Glamorous Meme Ever
When the most-awarded global music icon gets this shocked by a win, you know this is something to pause and think about.
We, of course, had our fun and laughed at the memes of Beyonce accepting the honor for top contemporary country album at this year’s Grammys.
But it was more than just fun. It was a humbling reminder of how hard society makes it for Black women to feel they deserve applause. And it was a beautiful reminder that even the best of us genuinely look for validation when we know we’ve poured our heart and soul into our work.
Which moment did you love the most? What should have made the top 5, or 10, but isn’t here? Leave a comment with your thoughts, and Happy Juneteenth!