It’s no surprise to anyone who has ever loved a Black woman that Black women are absolutely life-giving. This unofficial, but very real statistic is proven in a multitude of ways, from the feeling you get when a melanated queen gives you a well earned “OK, outfit,” to the highly sought after “Baby” from an older Black lady, women of a certain hue truly know how to hold each other down. The feeling is no different when a celebrity we fan out over or social media stan gives us the internet vibes needed to be our best selves.
Here are nine Black women we are absolutely living for these days.
1. Tabitha Brown
It almost feels like there was never life before the words, “hello, there,” began greeting us in a sweet southern accent a la vegan goddess Tabitha Brown. Listening to her embed her journey into her stories is enough to empower anybody, and if it isn’t, don’t go messing up anybody else’s day with that negativity.
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2. Nikole Hannah-Jones
The 1619 Project creator Nikole Hannah-Jones showcases on a regular basis what it is to be unapologetically Black. The journalist and Howard University faculty member is best known for making sure Black folks understand our history while simultaneously not giving a damn what other folks think of it all.
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3. Rihanna
Few people have the unmatched combination of wit, snark and break-the-internet abilities that musician-turned-entrepreneur of all things fab Rihanna possesses. We stan her on a regular basis, but there’s something extra special about a pregnant RiRi that has us ready to fulfill our aunt and uncle duties.
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4. Nedra Glover Tawwab
Sure, you should probably also see a therapist IRL, but in the event you need an extra bit of advice on boundary setting or managing relationships, Nedra Glover Tawwab has got you covered. The licensed therapist and New York Times best-selling author offers generic nuggets to help guide you through life via social media and her website.
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5. Beyoncé
What list of empowering Black women would be complete if it left off the Queen herself? Beyoncé has always given grace and beauty, but when she stepped out bold and courageous, we started appreciating her at maximum levels. Truth is, there’s nothing like a Beyoncé song to make you feel “flawless.”
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6. Issa Rae
Insecure may be over, but Issa Rae‘s reign of Black woman excellence is here to stay. The Hollywood gamechanger gives such good energy that it radiates straight through the screen. Between her radiant smile and effortless clapbacks, it’s no wonder she’s achieved the level of fandom she has.
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7. Taraji P. Henson
Few people can take it there like Taraji P. Henson. From her iconic role in the hood classic Baby Boy to her uplifting and fun-loving vibe that always sets the party off right, Henson has snatched the acclaim she so very much deserves time and time again. And she makes sure you also know that it’s all yours if you want it, too.
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8. Regina King
Regina King showed up on our TV screens as Brenda on the ’80s sitcom 227. Then, she showed up and showed out years later as a Hollywood goddess and directing mastermind. Her effortless stature and beauty have lit many a red carpet ablaze solidifying her as someone we absolutely love.
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9. Michelle Obama
You don’t get the title of Forever First Lady sans being a stan-worthy woman. When Michelle Obama entered the chat, she emerged with much fanfare, but she leveled up tremendously when she let women in on her story through her memoir, Becoming. With her New York Times bestseller, she became more than an idol; she became an attainable goal.
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While we know there are way more than nine Black women worthy of all of the praise, this list just gets the ball rolling. Hopefully, you’ve felt seen by a stan-worthy melanated queen who’s inspired you to go get everything you deserve. Whether you know her IRL or if she’s a celebrity, breathing life into each other is a necessity.
