Black News in 2022: A Year of Firsts, Finallys, and Frustration

By Nicole Martinez, America’s Black Holocaust Virtual Museum

From reparations to representation, 2022 had plenty of inspiring and hopeful content for Black readers. Yet despite some seemingly gargantuan strides in social progress, news feeds filled with stories that showed just how far we have to go to achieve racial equity in the United States and beyond.

With so many stories on our screens, it’s easy to forget what happened–or miss them in the first place. Fortunately, I’ve gathered some of the most significant Black culture, history, and current event articles from last year.

History Makes the News

Some of last year’s new stories were blasts from the past, including the announcement that The Emancipator, the country’s first abolitionist newspaper, has returned.

Emmett Till’s name appeared in headlines multiple times throughout the year: as he and his mother received congressional medals, after the opening of a biopic about the young man, and after the resurfacing of an arrest warrant of the white woman who falsely accused him.

Excavations continue in Tulsa to identify victims of the city’s race massacre, revealing more remains than were previously known. In California, politicians got the approval to explore reparations for slavery.

After 200 attempts, the House finally passed an anti-lynching bill, which seemed too little too late too many.

However, Philadelphia created its first historic district dedicated to the Black community, and Wisconsin’s Lake Ivanhoe was added to the register of historic places. American Airlines flew an all-Black women crew in honor of Bessie Coleman.

The Justice System Finally Works–Sort Of

Justice was finally served in several high-profile cases. Former Minneapolis police officers Thomas Lane and J. Alexander Kueng were sentenced for his role in George Floyd’s death. Cops were also finally tried for Breonna Taylor’s death.

Ketanji Brown Jackson joined the Supreme Court, and sided with a death row inmate in one of her first cases.

But the justice system failed Kevin Johnson who was executed in Missouri after multiple appeals–and his daughter, who was barred from watching. An inmate’s death led to a protest of Rikers prison, and police arrested a Black pastor who was watering his neighbor’s flowers.

Race and Politics Entwined

Race was also a major player in politics. A heavily anticipated midterm election saw several Black politicians make history, including Raphael Warnock, who won against Herschel Walker in Georgia’s runoff election. Charles Booker drew attention in his run against Ran Paul when he filmed an ad with a noose around his neck. Nancy Pelosi also stepped down, handing the reigns over to Rep. Hakeem Jeffries.

The news wasn’t all good, however. Prison slavery remains legal in several states, and Wisconsin senate candidate Mandela Barnes failed to wrest control away from the GOP. Doubts persist about the future of affirmation actions in colleges. Similarly, many Black women are unsure about their reproductive rights after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade.

Many followed the congressional investigation into the January 6th insurrection, which highlighted the role of race and racism. Earlier in the year, white supremacists marched through Boston.

That same racial violence resulted in a shooting at a Buffalo grocery store that traumatized the community. Incidents like these are motivating Black Americans to buy guns.

Black Athletes Make History

Race played a pivotal role in the sports arena for better and worse. WNBA star Britney Griner was arrested by Russian authorities and sentenced for trafficking drugs into the country. However, President Biden arranged for her release.

Byron Perkins is the first football player at an HBCU to come out.

Serena Williams retired from tennis.

More Than Celebrity Gossip

There was plenty of buzz-worthy entertainment created by and starring Black folks, too.

Kindred, Octavia Butler’s time-travel novel about slavery, became a Hulu series. Marvel’s Wakanda: Forever featured the singer’s first new song in a while, and highlighted the creator of the original country. Meanwhile, Quinta Brunson made history with her sitcom, Abbott Elementary, about a Philadelphia elementary school.

New versions of The Little Mermaid and Lord of the Rings irked fans while being life-changing for the stars. Meanwhile, Amazon’s A League of Their Own examined what it meant to be Black and trans in the 1940s.

Keep an eye out for WhatsApp’s first video project, which will feature NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Songstress Beyonce joined her husband, Jay-Z, as the musician with the most Grammy nominations in history on the heels of her newest album. In other music news, the halftime performer of Superbowl 2023 was announced: it’s Rihanna!

You may have heard about the new Ruby Bridges book for children if you paid attention to entertainment news last year.

On the less-than-stellar side, Will Smith slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a crack about his wife, but it didn’t compare to Kanye making antisemitic remarks on Twitter, which lead to brands dropping him.

Trevor Noah sadly announced his departure from the Daily Show. The world also mourned the passing of Nichelle Nichols of Star Trek fame.

Happenings in Milwaukee

Closer to home, Milwaukee elected its first Black mayor, Cavalier Johnson, and was recognized for having the lowest unsheltered homeless population in the country.

Finally, America’s Black Holocaust Museum has reopened its doors to visitors and contributing to education and making Black history!

Make sure to follow breaking news in 2023!