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, senior reporter Ernie Suggs shares his memories of the year that was.
What was one of the biggest moments in Black culture in Atlanta in 2024?
The 2024 Presidential Election, its impact on Black people in Georgia and how Black Georgians were once again entrusted to play a major part in shaping the course of our nation.
Credit: Miguel Martinez
Credit: Miguel Martinez
Name someone who mattered in Black culture, and tell us why:
Not who, but what: Black excellence. It seemed that in 2024, everyone was paying attention to Black legacy foundations while weighing their meanings. Howard University served as an example of what historically Black colleges can produce, while pink and green was everywhere as many American discovered Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for the first time. Georgia’s Travis Hunter won the Heisman Trophy at the University of Colorado, but we all know he got his start at Jackson State University. And now we are closing the year with news that former Atlanta Falcons legend Michael Vick has been named head football coach at Norfolk State University. (Side note: Norfolk State competes in the MEAC, home of my beloved North Carolina Central University. So while I can root for Vick in general, the Eagles are still going to wax them).
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
What album was the one you’ll remember most from 2024, and why?
Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter.” I admit, I am in the BeyHive and I am proud of it. One wonders how each of her albums is better than the last. Her dynamic step into country was transformative and revelatory. She was a joy to watch and listen to this year. Now, I wait for the Grammys to see what excuses they come up with to once again deny her Album of the Year.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Tell us which 2024 movie you’ll remember the most, and for what reason:
“The South Got Something to Say,” because I worked on it, along with the amazing DeAsia Paige, Ryon Horne and Tyson Horne. But this is honestly one of the best documentaries I have ever seen and screenings across the country proved it. Let’s hope that more people see it in 2025.
Credit: Tyson Horne
Credit: Tyson Horne
Who is someone we should be watching in 2025 in Black Atlanta culture?
The boards of Spelman College and Morehouse College. Both of these Atlanta-based historically Black colleges are at unique crossroads as they each search for new presidents to navigate the unknown that is destined to come out of Washington and the White House.
Credit: AJC file photos
Credit: AJC file photos
What was something that people should have paid more attention to last year, in your opinion?
Kamala Harris and her campaign. She made Black women matter. Not that they haven’t over the course of this country being built. Black women continue to be overlooked, but for at least 107 days over the course of her historic campaign, the world paid attention. It is easy to say that we don’t know what the country lost by discounting her. Some 92% of the Black women in America who voted for Harris knew. Soon, we will all know.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
What is something you hope to leave in 2024 and not revisit in 2025?
Twitter. It is just becoming too much.
Credit: TNS
Credit: TNS
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