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Black girl joy is a powerful force, lighting up the world in unforgettable moments of triumph, love, and celebration. Throughout the decades, we have witnessed countless moments from Black women in entertainment, sports, and more. These moments, filled with grace, resilience, and unfiltered happiness, continue to uplift and inspire generations. Below are 10 remarkable Black girl joy moments from the last couple of decades.

Whitney Houston singing "Star Spangled Banner (National Anthem)" (1991)

Whitney Houston's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" has gone down in history as one of the best performances of the National Anthem.

Lauryn Hill winning 5 Grammys for ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ (1999)

Lauryn Hill became the first Black woman to win five Grammys in one night.

Brandy becoming the FIRST Black Cinderella (1997)

This was the moment little Black girls everywhere saw themselves in a fairy tale for the first time. Not to mention, Brandy’s iconic Cinderella performance with Whitney Houston as her Fairy Godmother? PURE MAGIC.

Halle Berry becoming the FIRST Black woman to win an Oscar for Best Actress (2002)

Halle Berry’s emotional, joyful acceptance speech was herstoric: “This moment is for every nameless, faceless woman of color,” she said.

Serena Williams winning her first Grand Slam (1999) 

A young, beaded-braid-wearing Serena Williams winning her first U.S. Open in 1999 was only the beginning of her GOAT status!

Oprah giving everyone a car (2004)

“You get a car! You get a car! Everybody gets a car!” Did Oprah know her joy and excitement would still be so memeworthy decades later?

Michelle Obama’s carpool karaoke with Missy Elliott (2016)

Michelle Obama rapping “Get Ur Freak On” with Missy Elliott on James Corden’s show? Just one of the reasons she will always be our FLOTUS!

Issa Rae’s ‘I’m rooting for everybody Black’ moment (2017)

Issa Rae’s unapologetic joy at the Emmys went VIRAL. The energy? The truth? The confidence? Chef’s kiss. Her viral became an anthem.

Mary J. Blige performing at the Super Bowl (2022)

Mary J. Blige SERVEDDD at the Super Bowl halftime show. With her iconic thigh high boots, fur coat, and legendary vocals, she showed us why she's the queen.

Beyoncé & Blue Ivy performing together at the Renaissance World Tour (2023)

Beyoncé bringing Blue Ivy out to perform with her during the Renaissance tour was such a sweet moment. Watching Blue Ivy carry on her mother’s legacy while living her best life was the definition of pure Black girl joy.

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Feature image by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

 

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