ENTERTAINMENT

From Beyoncé's Grammys to Amanda Gorman's poem, moments that made recent Black history

USA TODAY
Celebrities have become billionaires, made history, and propelled diversity in entertainment, sparked in part by two years of turmoil: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; a renewed racial reckoning around the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. In honor of the month that celebrates the contributions and sacrifices of Black people, we are looking at the pivotal moments since 2020 that have impacted diversity and inclusion in entertainment, starting with British actor John Boyega ’ s impassioned speech during a protest for Floyd. " Black lives have always mattered, " the actor said. " We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain ’ t waiting.
Celebrities have become billionaires, made history, and propelled diversity in entertainment, sparked in part by two years of turmoil: the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic; a renewed racial reckoning around the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.

In honor of the month that celebrates the contributions and sacrifices of Black people, we are looking at the pivotal moments since 2020 that have impacted diversity and inclusion in entertainment, starting with British actor John Boyega’s impassioned speech during a protest for Floyd. "Black lives have always mattered," the actor said. "We have always been important. We have always meant something. We have always succeeded regardless. And now is the time. I ain’t waiting.
Justin Setterfield, Getty Images
Duchess Meghan cast her vote in the 2020 U.S. elections, making her the first member of the British royal family to cast a presidential ballot in America. Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry continued to make waves in 2021. The royal couple spoke out about racism they experienced within the monarchy in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey , which sent shockwaves across the world and started a dialogue about race, interracial relationships and the harmful effects of discrimination on people ' s mental health. The two also made Time ' s list of most 100 influential people of the year in 2021.
Duchess Meghan cast her vote in the2020 U.S. elections, making her the first member of the British royal family to cast a presidential ballot in America.

Duchess Meghan and Prince Harry continued to make waves in 2021. The royal couple spoke out about racism they experienced within the monarchy in a tell-allinterview with Oprah Winfrey,which sent shockwaves across the world and started a dialogue about race, interracial relationships and the harmful effects of discrimination on people's mental health. The two also made Time's list of most 100 influential people of the year in 2021.
Stefan Jeremiah, AP
With the premiere of " Soul " in 2020, Jamie Foxx voiced the first Black lead character in Pixar ’ s storied history. Foxx was “ blown away ” by the opportunity to portray the first Black lead. " I think we need it. I just look at the world and how 2020 has been a year of high anxiety, a year of a lot of uncertainty, a year of a lot of displaced anger, " Foxx told USA TODAY. " (But) nothing makes you happy like Disney. The minute you say Disney, you think of the ears, Disneyland, all of that. So whatever metaphoric sword you ' ve had swinging all this year for whatever you ' ve been fighting, you can lay that sword down that day and just watch and escape. "
With the premiere of "Soul" in 2020, Jamie Foxx voiced the first Black lead character in Pixar’s storied history. Foxx was “blown away” by the opportunity to portray the first Black lead.

"I think we need it. I just look at the world and how 2020 has been a year of high anxiety, a year of a lot of uncertainty, a year of a lot of displaced anger," Foxx told USA TODAY. "(But) nothing makes you happy like Disney. The minute you say Disney, you think of the ears, Disneyland, all of that. So whatever metaphoric sword you've had swinging all this year for whatever you've been fighting, you can lay that sword down that day and just watch and escape."
PIXAR
When the pandemic hit, most of the world was stuck at home trying to find new ways to keep themselves entertained. Legendary producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz had an answer: Verzuz. The webcast series began as a virtual DJ battle but has since evolved to include a range of different musical styles, including R & B, hip-hop, gospel and dancehall. The series evolved from an Instagram Live session to in-person performances and concerts and re-introduced people to iconic musicians and their musical contributions in front of the mic and behind the scenes.
When the pandemic hit, most of the world was stuck at home trying to find new ways to keep themselves entertained. Legendary producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz had an answer: Verzuz. 

The webcast series began as a virtual DJ battle but has since evolved to include a range of different musical styles, including R&B, hip-hop, gospel and dancehall. The series evolved from an Instagram Live session to in-person performances and concerts and re-introduced people to iconic musicians and their musical contributions in front of the mic and behind the scenes.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
DJ D-Nice also kept thousands entertained through an Instagram Live Series known today as " Club Quarantine. " DJ -D-Nice would livestream himself DJing for hours, and the series brought in celebs and fans alike from Rihanna and Michelle Obama to Oprah and Usher. D-Nice provided a " safe space " from his home for thousands of people during his live Instagram sets, which stretched up to nine hours long, to provide joy and some form of normalcy in the " crazy world that we live in.
DJ D-Nice also kept thousands entertained through an Instagram Live Series known today as "Club Quarantine." DJ -D-Nice would livestream himself DJing for hours, and the series brought in celebs and fans alike from Rihanna and Michelle Obama to Oprah and Usher. 

D-Nice provided a "safe space" from his home for thousands of people during his live Instagram sets, which stretched up to nine hours long, to provide joy and some form of normalcy in the "crazy world that we live in.
Aaron J. Thornton, Getty Images For BET
" The Bachelor " franchise also made history in 2020 when the series cast its first Black bachelor Matt James. His turn on the show came three years after the franchise cast its first Black " Bachelorette " Rachel Lindsay. James ' historic season devolved into controversy after one of the finalists, Rachel Kirkconnell ' s previous racist behavior came to light and backlash swirled, which prompted important discussions on racism and diversity within the franchise.
"The Bachelor" franchise also made history in 2020 when the series cast its first Black bachelor Matt James. His turn on the show came three years after the franchise cast its first Black "Bachelorette" Rachel Lindsay.

James' historic season devolved into controversy after one of the finalists, Rachel Kirkconnell's previous racist behavior came to light and backlash swirled, which prompted important discussions on racism and diversity within the franchise.
Billy Kidd/ABC
The late Whitney Houston earned her third diamond-certified album in 2020, becoming the first Black artist to achieve the feat. It was Houston ’ s 1987 sophomore album, “ Whitney, ” that earned her the honor.
The late Whitney Houston earned her third diamond-certified album in 2020, becoming thefirst Black artistto achieve the feat. It was Houston’s 1987 sophomore album, “Whitney,” that earned her the honor.
Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images
Zendaya made history at the 2020 Emmys as the youngest best-actress winner for her HBO drama " Euphoria, " and the happy reaction was appropriately euphoric. The 2020 Emmys were also a big night for HBO ' s " Watchmen, " which was one of the best TV series of the 2019-2020 season, and has only become more vital amid protests for racial equality. Winners Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and writers Damon Lindelof and Cord Jefferson recognized how special the series is and the significance of depicting the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 in their acceptance speeches.
Zendayamade history at the 2020 Emmys as the youngest best-actress winner for her HBO drama "Euphoria," and the happy reaction was appropriately euphoric. 

The 2020 Emmys were also a big night for HBO's "Watchmen,"which was one of the best TV series of the 2019-2020 season, and has only become more vital amid protests for racial equality. Winners Regina King, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and writers Damon Lindelof and Cord Jefferson recognized how special the series is and the significance of depicting the Tulsa Massacre of 1921 in their acceptance speeches.
ABC
The extraordinary moments continued into 2021 with Amanda Gorman ' s powerful words at President Joe Biden ' s inaugration. At 22 years old, she became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, performing her original poem titled " The Hill We Climb.
The extraordinary moments continued into 2021 with Amanda Gorman's powerful words at President Joe Biden's inaugration. At 22 years old, she became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history, performing her original poem titled "The Hill We Climb.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
In March 2021, " Entertainment Tonight " named Nischelle Turner as the show ' s next co-host, making her the first Black woman to anchor the program in its 40-season-long history.
In March 2021, "Entertainment Tonight" named Nischelle Turner as the show's next co-host, making her the first Black woman to anchor the program in its 40-season-long history.
Entertainment Tonight
Beyonc é had a historic Grammy win in 2021 when she became the most-winning female artist, and the most-winning singer (male or female), in the 63-year history of the Grammy Awards.
Beyoncé had a historicGrammywin in 2021 when she became the most-winning female artist, and the most-winning singer (male or female), in the 63-year history of the Grammy Awards.
Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
Beyonc é ' s husband Jay-Z also made Grammy history in 2021 by becoming the most-nominated artist in history with 83 total nods. The self-proclaimed “ greatest rapper alive ” was also inducted as part of an eclectic 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class .
Beyoncé's husband Jay-Z also made Grammy history in 2021 by becoming the most-nominated artist in history with 83 total nods. The self-proclaimed “greatest rapper alive” was also inducted as part of an eclectic 2021 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class.
David Richard, AP
Beyonc é and Jay-Z stunned fans in August 2021, debuting a new campaign titled " About Love " for Tiffany & Co. featuring the singer wearing the brand ' s iconic 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, becoming only the fourth woman – and first Black woman – ever to do so since it was found in 1877.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z stunned fans in August 2021, debuting a new campaign titled "About Love" for Tiffany & Co. featuring the singer wearing the brand's iconic 128.54-carat Tiffany Diamond, becoming only the fourth woman – andfirst Black woman – ever to do so since it was found in 1877.
Mason Poole
Singer Mickey Guyton captured her experience in the country song " Black Like Me, " released at the height of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Despite virtually no support from terrestrial radio and being signed to a major record label deal for nearly a decade without releasing a full-length album, the performance earned her a Grammy Award nomination in 2021. She is the first solo Black woman to earn a best country solo performance nod.
Singer Mickey Guyton captured her experience in the country song "Black Like Me," released at the height of the 2020 Black Lives Matter movement. Despite virtually no support from terrestrial radio and being signed to a major record label deal for nearly a decade without releasing a full-length album, the performance earned her a Grammy Award nomination in 2021. 

She is the first solo Black woman to earn a best country solo performance nod.
Jordan Strauss, Invision/AP
In April 2021, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson became the first Black women to win an Academy Award in makeup and hairstyling, for " Ma Rainey ' s Black Bottom. " " I can picture Black trans women standing up here, and Asian sisters and our Latina sisters and Indigenous women, and I know that one day it won ' t be unusual or groundbreaking, it will just be normal, " Neal said during their acceptance speech.
In April 2021, Mia Neal and Jamika Wilson became the first Black womento win an Academy Award in makeup and hairstyling, for "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom."

"I can picture Black trans women standing up here, and Asian sisters and our Latina sisters and Indigenous women, and I know that one day it won't be unusual or groundbreaking, it will just be normal," Neal said during their acceptance speech.
Pool Photo By Chris Pizzello
In September 2021, Xavier Prather became the first " Big Brother " Black champion... ever. The show first premiered in 2000.
In September 2021, Xavier Prather became the first "Big Brother" Black champion... ever. The show first premiered in 2000.
CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
After a historic gap of 566 days due to the pandemic, the Metropolitan Opera returned September 2021 with Terence Blanchard ’ s “ Fire Shut Up in My Bones. ” It was the first staged work by a Black composer in the long history of a company that launched in 1883.
After a historic gap of 566 days due to the pandemic, theMetropolitan Operareturned September 2021 with Terence Blanchard’s “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” It was the first staged work by a Black composer in the long history of a company that launched in 1883.
Jonathan Tichler, AP
" Pose " star Michaela Ja é Rodriguez became the first transgender performer nominated in a lead drama category for the 2021 Emmys.
 "Pose" star Michaela Jaé Rodriguez became the first transgender performer nominated in a lead drama category for the 2021 Emmys.
Chris Pizzello, Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP
All of Rihanna ' s " work, work, work, work, work " was honored by her home country in November 2021. The singer and entrepreneur was named Barbados ' 11th national hero by the nation ' s Prime Minister Mia Mottley as the country celebrated becoming a republic for the first time in history. The multi-hyphenate was also officially named as a billionaire in early 2021 with her net worth estimated to be around $1.7 billion by Forbes.
All of Rihanna's "work, work, work, work, work" was honored by her home country in November 2021. The singer and entrepreneur was named Barbados' 11th national hero by the nation's Prime Minister Mia Mottley as the country celebrated becoming a republic for the first time in history.

The multi-hyphenate was alsoofficially named as a billionaire in early 2021 with her net worth estimated to be around $1.7 billion by Forbes.
RANDY BROOKS, AFP Via Getty Images
The fifth-season and series finale of " Insecure " aired in 2021, wrapping up everyone ' s favorite Black millennial series. What sets the show apart is creator Issa Rae ' s rebellion against the idea that “ there ' s a universal way to be Black, ” which resonated with many viewers. The show created a fellowship for its viewers and jump-started a full-fledged empire for creator and star Rae, with her Raedio record label and Hoorae production company.
The fifth-season and series finale of "Insecure"aired in 2021, wrapping up everyone's favorite Black millennial series. What sets the show apart is creator Issa Rae's rebellion against the idea that “there's a universal way to be Black,” which resonated with many viewers. 

The show created a fellowship for its viewers and jump-started a full-fledged empire for creator and star Rae, with her Raedio record label and Hoorae production company.
Merie Weismiller Wallace, HBO
2021 wrapped up with another impactful kids ' film, Disney ' s first Latino musical called " Encanto. " The animated movie was praised for its diverse representation, which also portrayed Afro-Latino characters — a demographic that ' s often overlooked.
2021 wrapped up with another impactful kids' film, Disney's first Latino musical called "Encanto." The animated movie was praised for its diverse representation, which also portrayed Afro-Latino characters — a demographic that's often overlooked.
DISNEY