From continuing to deal with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, to Black Americans being attacked by white supremacists, 2022 has been a long year. But we’re still our ancestor’s wildest dreams — and that’s why despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles and the myriad inequalities brought about by racism, we remember that our experience as a people is also filled with joy and victory. Good things are always happening in our communities, so we’re sharing a few of the news stories that have helped us move forward with hope. We’ll be updating this list throughout the rest of 2022 and turning the spotlight on all of the good news happening and the inspiring Black folk creating positive change in our communities.
1. Ketanji Brown Jackson — period! We witnessed history when she was nominated and then confirmed as the first Black woman to serve as a justice on the Supreme Court of the United States.
2. President Biden signed the Emmett Till Antilynching Act into law. It took over 100 years and 200 failed legislative attempts, but in March, lynching finally became a federal hate crime.
3. Maya Angelou became the first Black woman on the U.S. quarter: In January quarters featuring the beloved poet, author, and activist went into circulation. Check your change for them!
4. The fifth-largest economy in the world got serious about reparations. In June the California Reparations Task Force released it’s groundbreaking, nearly 600-page report detailing the deliberate harm done to Black Americans in the Golden State.