For a long time thinking of Black History Month brought up the same faces… Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Malcolm X, and ‘nem. But now we’re in the year 2020 and new history is being made everyday.
These following women have brought a heavy dose of new #blackgirlmagic to the Black History movement, redefining what it means to be legendary and spread influence.
Koffee
The 19-year-old singer was the first woman to win the Grammy award for Best Reggae Album and the youngest award winner in category history!
Simone Biles
Is there any award Ms. Biles can't win??? Sis is considered the most awarded gymnast in U.S. history and holds the title for the most world championship gold medals of any female gymnast! (just to name a few) *whew*
Source: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
Lizzo
After a breakout year in 2019, Singer-rapper-bomb ass flautist Lizzo made billboard history when her hit "Truth Hurts" held the title for the longest running #1 by a solo female rap artist.
Source: Getty Images
Naomi Osaka
It can't be easy going up against Serena Williams, but Naomi Osaka held her own in 2018 winning the U.S. Open final and becoming the first Japanese born tennis player to win a Grand Slam Title.
Source: Williams & Hirawaka For ESPN
Meghan Markle
Lighting the hearts of many, Meghan Markle is the first American to be officially engaged to a British Royal, and adding some much needed color to Buckingham Palace! Her marriage to Prince Harry also sparked wide attention after the couple decided to step down from their roles for the health of their family (good for you sis!)
Source: Jeremy Selwyn/AFP/Getty Images
Ruth E. Carter
Ruth E. Carter snatched all our wigs when she became the first black woman to win the Academy Award for Outstanding Costume Design for Marvel's "Black Panther."
Source: AMPAS/Jeff Lipsky
Nicki Minaj
Let's be clear. Mrs. Petty has been breaking records since her debut. Nicki has held 51 different songs on the Hot 100 chart in her career (beating Michael Jackson) and most recently made history as the first female rapper to sell 100 million records.
Source: Harrison/Getty Images
Cynthia Erivo
The 2020 Oscar's was unbelievably white, but Cynthia Erivo was the only person of color nominated this year. While she lost Best Actress to Renee Zellweger, Cynthia is on track to become the youngest person to earn the famous EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). Her role in "The Color Purple" has earned her an Emmy, Tony, and Grammy so far.
Source: Robyn Beck/AFP/Getty Images
Marsai Martin
A baby no more, the dynamic star Marsai Martin made history in 2019 as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood history with her debut film "Little."
Source: Karl Ferguson Jr. For Essence Magazine