Quantcast
RELATED

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.

Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.

Feature image by Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

 

RELATED

 
ALSO ON XONECOLE
Sagittarius-zodiac-sign-October-2025-horoscopes

December is about letting go. We end the year with the need for more peace, reflection, and rejuvenation, and that is exactly what December is providing for us. The Sun is in Sagittarius, and anything is possible. This is the month to believe in that and to know that the universe is supporting you. With a Supermoon in Gemini as we begin the month as well, we have an opportunity to gain the closure we have been looking for this year and to wrap up old projects, ideas, and communication breakthroughs.

This is the month to make your peace the priority and let go of trying to control the way the tides are turning. Trust in your new beginning, and give yourself time to prepare for it this month.

KEEP READINGShow less
How I Learned To Be Thankful Again After The Loss Of My Son

On Thanksgiving Day in 2006, my son died. He was exactly five weeks and six days old.

For so long, I have lived with the feelings of shame and guilt that accompany the death of a child. He died of SIDS, but I should have been there. I should have done something, even if there was nothing that I could have done.

On a day when I should be thankful for family, I mourned the incompleteness of mine.

Back then, I wasn't filled with gratitude; I was filled with sorrow. Even with the two daughters I would be blessed with afterwards, on those days, it was hardest to find a reason to celebrate the day that symbolized the worst day of my life.

KEEP READINGShow less
LATEST POSTS