Black America's Biggest Stories Of 2024

For another year, Black Americans were at the forefront of 2024's most impactful news stories. Comedian Katt Williams set the tone in January with a candid and explosive interview with Shannon Sharpe, making remarks that many believe foreshadowed the defining moments of the year. “All lies will be exposed,” Williams told Sharpe.

By mid-year, Kendrick Lamar and Drake were engaged in one of history's most prolific rap beefs. The music industry was further sent through waves as video surfaced showing Diddy assaulting Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel. Diddy was subsequently arrested and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, and transportation for prostitution.

One of the most pivotal stories of the year broke in July, when President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race. By the end of the month, Vice President Kamala Harris launched her historic bid for the White House, going on to become the first Black woman to secure a major party's presidential nomination.

Tragedy struck as we continued to seek justice against police brutality amid the killing of Sonya Massey. Along the way, we tragically lost some of the most significant figures in Black culture, including Rich Homie Quan, Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, and others.

Amid these challenges, Black athletes representing Team USA showed up and showed out at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Their success was hard-earned, as gymnast Jordan Chiles fought to retain the bronze medal she earned in the gymnastics floor final. In basketball, LeBron James and his son, Bronny, made history as the first father-son duo to play in the NBA together.

Beyoncé ended the year with a bang, performing during halftime of Netflix’s first-ever NFL stream.

Keep scrolling as we remember 2024’s biggest stories for Black America.

JANUARY

Katt Williams’ Explosive Interview With Shannon Sharpe Sets Social Media on Fire

Shocking Viral Video Shows Man Attacking Judge in Courtroom

Angela Bassett Honored With First Oscar, Celebrating Her Legendary Career

Halle Bailey Reveals Birth of Her Son in Heartwarming Announcement

Jonathan Majors Praises Meagan Good: “She Held Me Down Like Coretta”

FEBRUARY

Usher Brings R&B to the Super Bowl Halftime Stage in Historic Performance

Jay-Z Slams Grammys for Beyoncé Snub in Viral Callout

Wendy Williams’ Dementia Diagnosis Sparks National Conversation About Health

Who TF Did I Marry: Reesa Teesa’s Story Dominates Headlines

MARCH

Baltimore’s Key Bridge Collapse Highlights Ongoing Infrastructure Concerns

Diddy’s Homes Raided by Feds in Ongoing Investigation Into Alleged Sex Crimes

Beyoncé Releases First Country Album, Cowboy Carter

APRIL

Dawn Staley Leads South Carolina to Another NCAA Championship Victory

O.J. Simpson Dies, Leaving Behind a Controversial Legacy

Jonathan Majors Sentenced for Domestic Violence Amid Ongoing Public Scrutiny

MAY

Kelly Rowland Rushed On Cannes Film Festival Carpet In Alleged Racist Incident

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett Goes Viral for Calling Marjorie Taylor Greene “Bleach-Blonde Bad-Built Butch-Body”

Kendrick Lamar & Drake’s Feud Heats Up With Release Of “Not Like Us” 

Hotel Footage Released Showing Diddy Abusing Cassie

Corey Harris Goes Viral After Driving to Court With a Suspended License

Police Killing of Roger Fortson Exposes Fatal Double Standard For Black Gun Owners

JUNE

Kendrick Lamar Performs Victory-Lap Show, 'The Pop Out,' For Juneteenth, Bringing Together West Coast Amid Drake Feud

Boston Celtics Capture NBA Championship in a Thrilling Finals Victory

Trump’s Controversial “Black Jobs” Comment Sparks Backlash

“Bad Boys” Franchise Returns With a Star-Studded Sequel

JULY

Police Killing of Sonya Massey Sparks Nationwide Calls For Reform

Attempted Assassination at Trump Rally Dominates National Headlines

Paris Olympics Begin With Black Athletes Making Historic Debuts

Joe Biden Withdraws From Presidential Race

Kamala Harris Announces Her Presidential Bid for 2024

AUGUST

Noah Lyles Becomes the 100m World Champion At Paris Olympics

Simone Biles Becomes the Most Decorated Gymnast in History

Jordan Chiles’ Olympic Medal Dispute Sparks Fairness Debate

SEPTEMBER

Rapper Rich Homie Quan’s Death Sends Shockwaves Through the Music World

Frankie Beverly Passes Away, Leaving Behind a Musical Legacy

Marcellus Williams’ Execution Sparks Renewed Conversations About Justice Reform

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris Face Off in Heated Debate

Tyreek Hill Detained Amid Controversial Allegations

Diddy Arrested Following a Year Of Turmoil & Allegations

James Earl Jones Dies, Ending an Era of Iconic Black Storytelling

Shannon Sharpe’s Instagram Live Gains Attention For Unexpected Revelations

Beyoncé’s CMA Snub Sparks Backlash & Questions About Racism Within Country Music

OCTOBER

LeBron & Bronny James Make History as the NBA’s First Father-Son Duo

Beyoncé Publicly Backs Kamala Harris’ Presidential Campaign

DDG and Halle Bailey Call It Quits

NOVEMBER

Donald Trump Defeats Kamala Harris in Presidential Election

Jake Paul Stuns With Victory Over Mike Tyson

Music Legend Quincy Jones Passes Away, Leaving a Legacy of Excellence

Young Thug Freed After Pleading Guilty to Gang, Drug and Gun Charges

Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good Announce Their Engagement

DECEMBER

Beyoncé Named Greatest Pop Star Of The 21st Century

Beyoncé Bowl Makes History With Netflix Halftime Performace On Christmas Day

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