Blackity, Black, Black... It's Black History Month

Every year, Super Bowl halftime shows are a spectacle. Sometimes, including this year, the halftime show is more exciting than the actual game. The show is meant to capture the world’s attention, blending music, choreography, and visuals into a single unforgettable experience.

When Kendrick Lamar took the stage during the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show, it was so much more than just a performance. It was a moment of cultural reclamation and celebration—a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Nearly three years later, the echoes of that moment are still resonating, especially as we reflect on it during Black History Month.

Kendrick told us, “The revolution is about to be televised; You picked the right time but the wrong guy.”

As a Black person, there’s something undeniably powerful about seeing one of the most influential artists of our generation represent not only the West Coast but the larger Black experience on the world's biggest stage. Kendrick brought his conscious lyricism to the masses in a way that was so deeply personal and profoundly political. He didn’t just show up as a rapper; he showed up as a storyteller, a messenger, and a voice for the voiceless.

For Black people, Kendrick's performance was like a homecoming—a validation of our experiences and struggles, amplified through the global stage of the Super Bowl. In about 12 minutes, Kendrick became a beacon of resilience, reminding us that despite the barriers we face, we will always find a way to be alright.

Samuel Jackson / Entertainment Weekly

As Samuel L. Jackson appeared as Kendrick Lamar’s emcee, it was pretty obvious who he was supposed to represent, by the way he was dressed in a red, white, and blue suit and top hat, and because he told us he’s been called “Uncle” - not too hard to piece together that he was supposed to be Uncle Sam. Of course, the Black version who was also representing Uncle Tom.

But what made it even more significant was the timing. It was February, the month dedicated to honoring our history. A month that Trump is trying to take away from us but can't. Kendrick’s performance was a statement about who we are and what we’ve overcome. It served as a reminder that the journey toward equality and justice didn’t begin or end with one moment in time; it’s a continuous process. For Black History Month, Kendrick was living proof of the power of Black culture, art, and perseverance.

Serena Williams / Men's Journal

One of the most unforgettable moments, however, was when tennis legend Serena Williams took to the stage and crip walked. Now, let’s talk about that—because Serena’s move wasn’t just an impromptu dance; it was a statement, a powerful act of reclaiming space. Serena has long been an icon not only for her athletic prowess but for her unapologetic Blackness in a sport that was often criticizing of her actions and looks.

When she dropped that crip walk on stage, it felt like the world had to pause and take notice. It was an act of joy, a moment of unfiltered Black expression. It’s important to note that the crip walk isn’t just a dance move. It’s tied to a deeper history in the West Coast Black community, and for Serena to embrace it on the world stage felt like a collective victory. She was, in that moment, saying that no matter how polished, professional, or refined we are expected to be, our roots, our culture, and our history are worthy of celebration and visibility.

Jalen Hurts / NPR

And let's not forget about the Philadelphia Eagles winning the Super Bowl with Black quarterback Jalen Hurts at the helm. Now, don't get me wrong. Y'all know I'm from Kansas City and wanted the Chiefs to win that three-peat. But, unfortunately, they couldn't pull if off. Nonetheless, it was good to see Jalen Hurts have his moment.

These moments at the Super Bowl remind us that Black joy is revolutionary. Our art, our music, and our movements, no matter how they are interpreted by mainstream culture, carry a message of only we can appreciate. They continue to inspire us, especially in Black History Month. And how many times have you watched the half-time show since last week?

In a world where Black stories are often overlooked or distorted, this year showed us that when we take up space, when we live unapologetically and joyfully, we are shaping history. And that’s a legacy that will continue to thrive, long after the Super Bowl halftime show has ended.