The year 2019 was one for the books. We witnessed many highs, lows, gains and tragic losses. With another year underway, it's best that we focus our attention and energy on the positive moments we hope to gain in the future. But as we reflect on the past, one thing we can all be thankful for is the continued boss up, glow up, and come up that Black people have experienced throughout 2019. Take a look at some of our favorites, who had quite a year.

1. Marsai Martin

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Marsai Martin (@marsaimartin) on Dec 3, 2019 at 7:58pm PST

From Black-ish to doing her own ish, this young actress and producer made history in 2019. The 14-year-old has been recognized as the youngest executive producer in Hollywood with her big screen debut of the movie Little where she not only starred, but pitched the idea. Word around the boulevard is that Martin already has her sights set on another film. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she is working on a novel based production with actor Don Cheadle. Like Issa Rae, we stan a young, Black queen. Make your movie, sis!

Oh, yes! https://t.co/SanhwqYCnv

— Awkward Black Girl (@awkwardblkgrl) May 30, 2019

2. Lizzo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lizzo (@lizzobeeating) on Dec 11, 2019 at 6:09am PST

The Detroit born, Texas bred entertainer has fluted, sung and twerked her way into many of our hearts. Lizzo's confidence and "sorry to that man" styled music has taken over air waves, televisions and even NBA game courtsides. While some may not agree with every single thing the singer says, does or wears, we must admire her tenacity and imma do me attitude that has been present since she emerged on the music scene roughly five years ago. Now, people are rocking to her old tunes as if they’re brand new and this new surge of interest has made Lizzie the most Grammy nominated artist of 2020 as well as Time Magazine Entertainer of the Year. Blame it on her juice, Lizzo is just getting started.

3. Da Baby

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BABY JESUS (@dababy) on Dec 5, 2019 at 1:54pm PST

The “Suge” rapper from North Carolina has steadily become a fan favorite over the course of the year. Whether it’s because of his dazzling smile, flashy jewelry or cut-throat street rap style, hip-hop artist Da Baby has been winning all 2019. Baby has taken full advantage of his viral popularity, releasing two albums in one calendar year, both toting hit singles. His latest project, Kirk, features the hit single “Bop” with a video cameo from America's favorite dance crew the Jabbawockeez. I'm sure we can expect big things from the fun-sized rapper in the new year.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BABY JESUS (@dababy) on Dec 9, 2019 at 7:43am PST

4. Eddie Murphy

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Eddie Murphy (@_eddiemurphy_) on Nov 21, 2019 at 7:49am PST

Comedian Eddie Murphy had a phenomenal year. The legendary actor and funny man has resurfaced after a three year hiatus (his last film was Mr. Church in 2016) and is hard at work, filming Coming 2 America with its all-star cast. Additionally Murphy premiered Dolemite Is My Name, the real-life backstory of the actor who created the popular 70s blaxploitation character Dolemite. Murphy even brought on the laugh nostalgia, after returning to Saturday Night Live and performing in the show’s highest viewed episode of the season, with 9.921 million views according to Forbes.

Some friends stopped by Eddie Murphy's monologue. #SNL
pic.twitter.com/zUR8nnh3NJ

— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) December 22, 2019

5. Tiger Woods

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tiger Woods (@tigerwoods) on Oct 15, 2019 at 7:03am PDT

After what seemed like a lengthy and permanent retirement, golf legend Tiger Woods ended the decade as a champion, once again. Tiger Woods’ comeback year came in the form of his fifth Masters win this year in Augusta, GA. Woods suffered some scandals, bad press, injuries and over a decade of losses but the golfing legend persevered and it paid off tremendously.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Romany Malco Actor | Director (@romanymalco) on Apr 15, 2019 at 10:30pm PDT

6. Megan Thee Stallion

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Hot Girl Meg (@theestallion) on Dec 18, 2019 at 9:12pm PST

2019 was exceptionally good for female rappers in the industry and a contributing element to that shine is Megan Thee Stallion. The Houston bred artist stands at approximately 5’10 with her natural curves that both women and men fawn over, and knees for the gawds. This bar for bar artist has made her mark being the first woman ever signed to 300 Entertainment, coining the phrase “hot girl summer” and reminding people that tall girls have always been “in.” From crushing it in an all male cypher back in 2016 to releasing a Billboard hit with “Big Ole Freak,” Megan Thee Stallion has proven to be a rising star. Megan The Stallion released her album Fever earlier in the year and stakes her claim as one of the hottest female rappers in the game!

7. Black Beauty Pageant Queens

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blavity News (@blavity) on Dec 16, 2019 at 11:13am PST

This list would not be worth mentioning, if we did not take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the Black pageant queens who have taken over the beauty pageant industry, in a magical way. Being just a few decades removed from 1983, when Vanessa Williams was the first African American woman to win Miss America, we are celebrating the triumph of Black queens who have taken every major pageant competition by storm — displaying an exceptional amount of Black Girl Magic.

As it stands, there are currently five Black women holding national and international pageant titles. Miss America, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Universe, and Miss World are all beautiful, vibrant, culturally diverse, talented and intelligent Black women. If there is a young girl, or woman, who has ever needed confirmation that Black women are royalty, this moment in history is the greatest affirmation.

best comeback of all time

Get relevant content delivered to you once a week