In a year like none other, millions of Americans looked to anything to serve as a distraction from the physical and mental pressures of the world. A global pandemic may have kept us in the house, but that doesn't mean we weren't treated to content that will be talked about long after COVID-19 itself. If anything, this year served as a reminder that Black people continue to make the best of any situation regardless of the circumstances, and that our creativity is limitless.

As we look toward a more social 2021, let's remember some of the best pop culture occasions of 2020 that helped us forget we were in the middle of a panny, panoramic, pan pizza or whatever you want to call this time. Here are 10 noteworthy moments that will have you saying, "I love us for real."

1. Zendaya made history at the Emmys

With plenty of time at home, we had no choice but to indulge in plenty of television and film. Actress Zendaya captivated audiences with her stunning portrayal of teenage drug addict Rue Bennett in HBO's Euphoria. That performance would prove to be historic. In September, the Oakland native won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Second to Viola Davis' 2015 win for How to Get Away with Murder, Zendaya is the only Black actress to ever win in this category. 

2. Beyoncé released 'Black is King'

The visual album was released via Disney+ on July 31. Based on Beyoncé's soundtrack album of 2019's The Lion King: The Gift, this production reimagined the teachings from the Disney live-action remake for "today's young kings and queens in search of their own crowns." With visually-stunning and catchy hits such as, "Water" and "My Power," no wonder audiences were obsessed with the project. 

3. 'The Last Dance' triggered our 1990s nostalgia

Considering we went without live sports for three months this year, April's premiere of the six-part docu-series depicting NBA legend Michael Jordan's historic tenure with the Chicago Bulls was a nice trip down memory lane. Few things rival the "Crying Jordan" but the image of Jordan smirking at interviews about him through an iPad almost came close. 

Me looking at my electric bill after being home for 30+ days pic.twitter.com/I06ZHDt5qv

4. Lauren Speed and Cameron Hamilton prove that love truly is 'blind'

Netflix show, Love is Blind set out to prove that you could truly fall in love with someone over nothing more than meaningful conversation.

While a few couples ultimately settled that theory, it was the love story of Lauren Speed and Cameron Hamilton that not only persevered but that millions nationwide couldn't get enough of. The two had thoughtful dialogues not only about faith but also interracial dating. Since the show's conclusion on February 27 and their fall 2018 wedding, the still happily married Hamiltons have launched a YouTube channel titled "Hanging With The Hamiltons" among other creative projects.

5. Our childhoods arrived on Netflix

Netflix did one for the culture and everyone's lack of productivity this summer when they made some of our favorite sitcoms from childhood available for streaming. Classics such as Sister, Sister, The Game and Girlfriends renewed our love for early '90s fashion, hairstyles and celebrity cameo appearances we'd forgotten about. 

6. 'Love Island USA' crowned their first Black couple

The popular U.K.-based reality show premiered its second season on August 24 and instead of the standard hideaway contestants are treated to, participants were stranded atop a luxury hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. After five weeks of challenges and "coupling up," Caleb Corprew and Justine Ndiba were voted by viewers as the best couple and took home the $100,000 bag.

7. The takeoff of Verzuz

Concerts all but went away when stay-at-home orders went into effect in May. However, that didn't mean the end of music productions. Being the creative geniuses they are, producers Timbaland and Swizz Beatz developed the webcast series that pit Black artists of the same sound and catalog against each other in a friendly competition to see who reigned supreme.

Since the March 24 premiere, Verzuz has evolved into a cultural phenomenon and a longing for the days we could hear our favorite hits in the club instead of living rooms. We've seen everyone from Brandy and Monica to Snoop Dogg and DMX battle it out live thanks to the series. 

8. The 'Savage' challenge had everyone showing off their dance moves

TikTok emerged as the beloved social media amongst millions stuck at home hoping to maintain connections with friends worldwide. Released April 7, Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" remix featuring Queen Bey notably surged after choreographer Keara Wilson developed a now-viral dance for the single. Within days, others had posted their own rendition for all to see, eventually capturing the attention of Meg herself. The "Savage" remix earned the Houston hottie three Grammy nominations, including Best Rap Song and Record of the Year.

9. Club Quarantine made us nostalgic for the club

The brainchild of DJ D-Nice, Club Quarantine was a replacement for those whose Saturday nights were once spent at the club. The veteran jockey was on hand to play the smooth sounds of disco, '90s hip-hop and everything in between. Since then, D-Nice has partnered with former FLOTUS Michelle Obama and provided tunes for the opening night of the 2020 NBA season.

We may still be in a panny but at least we have the culture. 

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