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Over the past 25 years, Black culture has played a huge role in shaping global trends, politics, and social movements. From music and film to fashion and dance, Black artists have not only created new genres but also redefined existing ones, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms.

In film and television, Black creatives have increasingly pushed for diverse and authentic representation, making strides with iconic works like Black Panther and Insecure.

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Furthermore, the fashion and dance worlds have seen Black culture heavily influence global trends think of the impact of streetwear, or the viral sensation of dance challenges influenced by hip-hop and Caribbean rhythms.

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But beyond the arts, black culture has been a catalyst for social change, with movements like Black Lives Matter drawing global attention to systemic racism and inequality. Through activism, entrepreneurship, and media representation, Black voices have fought for visibility, equality, and justice, while also fostering a deeper cultural appreciation of history.

From Beyoncé’s impact on music and fashion to the rise of Black voices in literature and film, the past quarter-century has seen Black culture not just as a force of artistic expression, but as a cornerstone of the ongoing fight for racial equity and human dignity.

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Keep scrolling to check out both funny and serious moments of pop culture over the past 25 years.

1. Juneteenth Became A Federal Holiday

2. The Rise of Black Girl Magic and Representation

3. Janet Jackson & Justin Timberlake’s Infamous Moment At The Super Bowl

4. “Becky With The Good Hair”

5. The Growth of Afrobeats and African Music Globally

6. Barack Obama Winning The Presidential Race In 2008 & 2012

7. The Ferguson Uprising & Freddie Gray Protests

8. Lil Mama Crashing Alicia Keys & Jay-Z’s Performance

9. The Black Lives Matter Movement

10. Beyonce, Jay-Z & Solange’s Infamous Elevator Video

11. Issa Rae’s Insecure and Changing TV Landscape

12. The Murder of George Floyd and Global Protests

13. The Release Of WAP

14. #MeToo Movement

15. The Black Panther Movie

16. The Success of Tyler Perry’s Studios

17. Kamala Harris Being Elected As The First Woman Vice President

18. Miley, What’s Good?

19. Ketanji Brown Jackson Sworn In As Supreme Court Justice

20. Kanye Interrupting Taylor Swift’s Speech

21. Mariah Carey’s & Eminem Alleged ‘Hookup’

22. Colin Kaepernick Takes A Knee During The National Anthem

23. The National Museum of African American History and Culture Opens