[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]As you gather with your families to celebrate Thanksgiving, we have gathered the 15 people and events that we are thankful for this past year. This is the first annual Black Excellence 15: the people and events we’re thankful for this year.

We cannot emphasis enough how picking just these 15 people and events was difficult among all the black excellence that happens everyday! If we left out anything or anybody that you believe should have made it on the list, please let us know below.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”green” border_width=”2″][vc_column_text]

The Black Excellence 15: The People & Events of 2017

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– Jay Z’s 4:44 was everything the hip hop world needed this year. Our favorite line? “You wanna know what’s more important than throwin’ away money at a strip club? Credit.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7397″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– Because before it became about defying President Trump, it was about police brutality and the many black men losing their lives at the hands of law enforcement.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7399″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– Need we say more?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– From raising money for Chicago public schools to showing up and speaking up at a Chicago city hall, Chance has showed us over and over again how to use one’s influence for the greater good .[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7400″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– The congresswoman has showed us how to stand up for ourselves in the face of opposition and ridicule. And to always show up looking and acting fierce.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7401″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– This non-comedy film had a mega successful stay at the box office, but what’s even more impressing is its sharp commentary on race relations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7349″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– As the wave of sexual harassment and assault accusations keep coming, we are proud that the origin story of #metoo has gotten the credit it deserves as well. Tarana Burke has been fighting the good fight long before Harvey Weinstein was exposed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”6766″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– From first black mayors of multiple cities to first openly transgender black woman elected to public office to the man who went from protester to city council , it has been a good election year for black politicians across the country![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7337″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– First, Girl’s Trip is just a fantastic film, all around! Second, it showed us the power black women can have at the box office. Third, it propelled Tiffany Haddish to stardom. And we’re very thankful for that![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7136″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text] Confederate statues going down – How did they manage to stay up for so long and why are there so many of them still up? We hope 2017 is just the start of the end for these monuments.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”3228″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– Even more #BlackGirlMagic in tennis? Yes please![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7402″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– Just when we thought Moonlight lost, we were brought back to life in a twist that had everybody cheering. Much deserved win Moonlight![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7403″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– Since Jones’ “This is whitelash” response to Trump’s win, he has been arguing with and educating some ignorant folks that come on CNN in the era of Trump. Fight on Van![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7404″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– Ok, we’re not really a big fan of the show. But, we applauded the show finally, finally having a black woman for all the men to fight over. She was also the oldest at 32, which we hope will not be an anomaly.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7406″ img_size=”large”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_column_text]– We were already excited about the reimagining of The Lion King, but we lost our minds when we saw the cast list. Donald Glover as Simba, Beyonce as Nala, and James Earl Jones returning as Mufasa? 2019 can’t get here fast enough![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_single_image image=”7407″ img_size=”large”][/vc_column][/vc_row]