The year in Black culture, according to UATL reporter Brooke Howard

2024 was something else.

As the year closes out, UATL’s staff members are looking back at Black culture and remembering what mattered. In this story, reporter Brooke Howard shares memories of the year that was.

Name someone who mattered in Black culture, and why:

Kamala Harris. A Black woman ran for president. Even though she didn’t win, that’s still a major feat. A person who is among the most disrespected group of Americans ran for the top position of the country. She is a testament of Black women’s perseverance.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention on Aug. 22, 2024, in Chicago. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

What was the most memorable album of 2024?

Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter,” because it was a TERRRRRRIBLE attempt at country. TERRIBLE, and people are still lying about it.

Kendrick Lamar’s album is the most positive memorable album.

Which 2024 movie will you remember most, and why?

Wicked, because of all those annoying and never-ending commercials, then there was the Mattel packaging controversy.

I haven’t seen it yet though. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo annoy me.

Ariana Grande, left, and Cynthia Erivo in "Wicked: Part I." (Universal Pictures/Zuma Press/TNS)

What was something that people should have paid more attention to last year, in your opinion?

How affirmative action changes have impacted education in the Black community. Yes, enrollment at HBCUs may have increased, but how has that also impacted those communities in terms of access to professors and resources?

Education overall in the Black community needs to be addressed because the disparities, especially during an election year, appear to have widened.

Zulu Philmore, age 11, completes a worksheet on Tuesday, Sept. 17, at Woodland Elementary in Sandy Springs, Georgia. (Olivia Bowdoin for the AJC).