Black Culture's 24 Ultimate 2024 New Year's Resolutions
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Affion Crockett carries a folding chair - a recall to the viral meme of a folding chair wielding man who aided an Alabama dock worker who was attacked in a massive brawl - at the Actively Black fashion brand’s The Black Mixtape 2 runway show at Sony Hall on September 08, 2023 in New York City.
Black people—everyone from athletes, actors and politicians to “Real Housewives,” talk show hosts and musicians—have made some big strides forward this year. Black characters have been fan-favorites in prestige TV, and the new “The Color Purple” musical has sparked conversations about Black fashion, types of love and pay equity for Black entertainers. Oprah officially passed the daytime TV torch to Sherri Shepherd, and men with a history of bad behavior got called on the carpet in music and in megachurches. Although some of our most beloved Black figures were called home, many more were called out and celebrated for their amazing talents.
Admittedly, there have been more than a few missteps in 2023. But y’all we made through another year, and that’s something to celebrate. It’s also an exciting opportunity to make a few much-needed changes. And so purely for your entertainment, we present to you our list of the 24 ultimate New Year’s resolutions that Black culture.
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Civil Rights Ldr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking into mike after being released fr. prison for leading boycott.
Unless you’re celebrating MLK’s birthday and laundry list of achievements, just stop. And if we have learned anything from former President Donald Trump comparing North Carolina Lt. Governor Mark Robinson to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it’s that we could all benefit from fewer people making MLK comparisons in 2024!
23. Do Tell Us When You’ve Sold Your Black Card to Rich Conservatives
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 18: Chief Justice of the United States John Roberts, Justice Clarence Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito attend a private ceremony for retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.
This one is especially for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas. Going into the New Year, we highly recommend everyone just cop to any lavish gifts given to them by wealthy conservative billionaires. Not saying there aren’t Black billionaires, too, but there are some obvious differences.
22. Cast More Black Women As Romantic Leads!
In 2023, Black women crushed it as romantic leads in iconic roles. We want to see more of those casting choices in 2024.
21. Protect Black Women’s Mental Health
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 16: Brenda Emmanus and Ruby Barker attend the Black Lens Film Festival screening of “How To Stop A Recurring Dream” at BFI Southbank on July 16, 2021 in London, England.
20. Decriminalize Pregnancies and Associated Care
Throughout the United States, we’ve witnessed the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. States have moved to further criminalize abortion care — in turn criminalizing pregnancy and worsening maternal health outcomes. So next year, this country should collectively resolve to do away with this practice that has had detrimental effects on Black women.
19. Leave Our River Boat Captains Alone
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 08: Affion Crockett carries a folding chair - a recall to the viral meme of a folding chair wielding man who aided an Alabama dock worker who was attacked in a massive brawl - at the Actively Black fashion brand’s The Black Mixtape 2 runway show at Sony Hall on September 08, 2023 in New York City.
Hopefully, this one was already on the list of a certain family in Alabama. But for the rest of us, maybe don’t start fights with riverboat captains in the New Year. Pro tip: If you find yourself in a brawl, remember your folding chair.
18. Stop the Colorism
Colman Domingo at Netflix’s HOLIGAYS Party held on December 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (
Honestly, we shouldn’t have to say this. But if you’re still a colorist, you better drop that immediately. We all have to un-learn anti-Blackness and colorism, but some of you aren’t even trying, and it shows. DO BETTER IN 2024!
17. Do Take A Stand Against Money In Politics
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 20: Actor and U.S. Senate candidate Hill Harper engages the audience during the State of Our Democracy: Voter Apathy in the Black Community panel on day two of the 2023 37th Annual NOBCO Economic Development Conference at The Westin Charlotte on October 20, 2023 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (
In 2023, we witnessed politicians like Senate-candidate Hill Harper take a stand against money in politics and on other important issues like a ceasefire in Gaza. Hopefully, we see more of that from people in 2024.
16. Don’t Mess With Black Election Workers
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 15: Rudy Giuliani, the former personal lawyer for former U.S. President Donald Trump, departs from the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. District Courthouse after a verdict was reached in his defamation jury trial on December 15, 2023 in Washington, DC. A jury has ordered Giuliani to pay $148 million in damages to Fulton County election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss. (
As former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is learning the hard way, it’s not a good idea to go around defaming people. Giuliani was ordered to pay $148 million to two Black election workers that he and his circle repeatedly defamed. So going into 2024, try not to defame anyone.
15. Do Check-Out Black Owned Brands
14. Maybe Don’t Downplay Slavery
BETTENDORF, IOWA - DECEMBER 18: Republican presidential candidate Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, with his family by his side, speaks to guests during the Scott County Fireside Chat at the Tanglewood Hills Pavilion on December 18, 2023 in Bettendorf, Iowa. Iowa Republicans will be the first to select their party’s nomination for the 2024 presidential race when they go to caucus on January 15, 2024.
This one shouldn’t have to be said, but as we enter 2024, it feels critical to remind people that there’s no reason to downplay or justify slavery.
13. Also, Just Stop Comparing Things To Slavery
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 08: Republican presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) sits for an interview in the spin room following the NBC News Republican Presidential Primary Debate at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County on November 8, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Five presidential hopefuls squared off in the third Republican primary debate as former U.S. President Donald Trump, currently facing indictments in four locations, declined again to participate.
12. Don’t Be A Karen
This one really doesn’t need an explanation.
11. Don’t Re-Invent Literacy Tests
This is another thing that really shouldn’t have to be said, but here we are. Please don’t try to re-invent all of the crazy racist policies employed by the Jim Crow South to deny Black people the vote in the New Year.
10. Don’t Hero Worship Celebrities
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 15: Actor Jonathan Majors leaves the courthouse following closing arguments in Majors’ domestic violence trial at Manhattan Criminal Court on December 15, 2023 in New York City. Majors had plead not guilty but faces up to a year in jail if convicted on misdemeanor charges of assault and harassment of an ex-girlfriend. (
We learn this lesson every year, but it’s worth a reminder going into the New Year. Celebrities are flawed like everyone else, except they have access to fame and fortune. This is a message to everyone who spent 2023 knocking down any criticism of their favorite celebrities, including Jonathan Majors and Tory Lanez. Hopefully, the New Year brings introspection.
9. Do Go to As Many Amazing Shows As Possible
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 01: (Editorial Use Only) (Exclusive Coverage) Beyoncé performs onstage during the “RENAISSANCE WORLD TOUR” at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 01, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri.
As Root reporter Amira Castilla proved with her incredible recap of the Renaissance Tour, life is too short not to live your epic concert dreams. Next year, find a concert that makes you as excited as Castilla was to see Beyonce.
8. Do Hold Police Accountable For Brutality
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 25: Najee Ali chants, “One down, three to go!” outside the Hennepin County Government Center after the sentencing of Derek Chauvin on June 25, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The former Minneapolis Police officer was sentenced to 22.5 years in prison today after being convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd.
True justice for victims of police brutality and their families always feels evasive. But as we enter 2024, we hope more victims of police violence can find peace and justice.
7. Don’t Erase Black History
African american girl raising her hands while sitting on her desk in the class at school. school and education concept
6. Don’t Try To Disenfranchise Black Voters
African descent, young or mid-adult woman votes in the USA election. She stands at voting booth in polling station. Other voters and election day registration seen in background.
This is a subtweet to about a million different people over the last two hundred-plus years. But how about in 2024, we all agree to let Black people have an equal vote?
5. Do Try More Black Hacks!
Yes, this is a shameless plug, but trust us, you’ll thank us once you’ve let Kalyn Womack teach you about perfect, heatless curls for Black girls and other important hacks.
4. Do Cast More Black People In Nerd Shows
Black nerds deserve representation, too! Now that we have a new Black Doctor Who, we’re excited to see other cult classics bring Black actors and characters into their universe.
3. Don’t Cross A Black Woman
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 14: Singer-Songwriter Cassie attends Buttah Skin By Dorion Renaud Holiday Pop-Up on December 14, 2022 in New York City.
2. Do Talk About Mental Health
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 16: Megan Thee Stallion attends the 2023 GQ Men of the Year at Bar Marmont on November 16, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (
This is advice for people of all genders in the New Year. Let’s all try to take better care of our mental health in 2024!
1. Do Keep Demanding Better From The System!
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 12: Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), center, joins Maximus Federal Call Center workers at a protest calling on the Biden Administration for higher wages and good federal jobs outside the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on December 12, 2023 in Washington, DC.
Ultimately, we should all strive to be our best selves every year, but we can’t do that alone. Going into 2024, let’s keep fighting to change the system and make it a more equitable and loving place for all of us!
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