22 Black Women Who Owned 2022

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Black women were on top of everything in 2022. From Grammy nominations to Supreme court nominations, we’re taking the time to reflect on all our sisters’ accolades from this past year. 

1) Lizzo 

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About Damn Time took over TikTok for a period, and with her latest AOTY-nominated LP Special dropping to acclaim, in addition to scoring an Emmy, we’re positive Lizzo’s sparkling career is only going up. 

2) Beyoncé

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This one’s a given. Has anyone not been forever changed by at least one song on Renaissance? She did not even need visuals to drop one of the greatest projects of the year, and also this generation.

3) Yung Miami

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Also known as Diddy’s shawty wop. With her constantly viral new talk show Caresha Please! Yung Miami is making waves for things beyond her music. If anyone has the personality to become a TV darling, please believe it’s her. 

4) Quinta Brunson

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We stan Quinta almost as much as we ship Janine and Gregory on her hit sitcom Abbott Elementary. After being the second Black women to win Best Writing for a Comedy Series at the Emmys, and the first to receive three nominations in the Comedy category, Quinta is a true trailblazer for 2022.

5) The Honorable Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

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Speaking of nominations, Justice Kentaji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman nominated into the U.S. Supreme Court. Especially after a tumultuous hearing on her more than qualified attributes, her placement into this historical role was a win for Black women everywhere. 

6) GloRilla

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The female rapper of the moment, Memphis native GloRilla shot to fame with her catchy hit “FNF,” garnering a Grammy nomination for the song. Thanks to GloRilla, we can all look forward to tomorrow.

7) Lori Harvey

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She’s been on everybody’s wish list. The It girl, with her latest spread on the cover of Essence Magazine, has proven that her star power is for real. Having moved on from Michael B. Jordan to rumors swirling of her latest dalliance with Snowfall star Damson Idris, she’s letting it be known that she’s Hollywood’s heartthrob.

8) Sheryl Lee Ralph

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The original Dream Girl is receiving her long overdue flowers. With her recent Emmy win for Outstanding Supporting Actress, Miss Ralph is a legend in the industry, and we’re happy she’s being celebrated while still in her prime. 

9) Megan Thee Stallion

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Despite the trial, Megan Thee Stallion had an incredible year for her still blossoming career. A new addition to the coveted Forbes 30 Under 30, the Grammy winner made it clear that the hustle doesn’t stop for anybody, and we’re looking forward to what the MC has next in store.

10) Zendaya

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The now TWO time Emmy Winner for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama just cannot be stopped, and we don’t want her to. The Euphoria and Spiderman: No Way Home actress is set to reappear in her role in the sequel to epic film Dune. But in the meantime, we love the fan pics of her and long-time beau and co-star Tom Holland.

11-15) The Female Cast of Black Panther: Letitia Wright, Angela Bassett, Michaela Coel, Lupita Nyongo and Danai Gurira

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The women of Wakanda were the stars this time in the second installment of Black Panther. After a movie and production that persevered through the loss of Chadwick Boseman, the film carried by these women displayed a poetic and genuine journey of grief while still being the heroes we need. 

16) Regina Hall

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Regina Hall proved that she is the leading lady, with the acting chops to prove it. From horror thrillers like Master and the mockumentary in Honk for Jesus. Save Your Soul. to the recently released The Best Man: The Final Chapters, Regina Hall is booked and busy! 

17) Keke Palmer

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Baby, it’s Keke Palmer’s year! From starring in the latest Jordan Peele Thriller Nope, to announcing her pregnancy while hosting SNL, Palmer is a powerhouse and an unstoppable force of laughter and light in Hollywood. 

18) SZA

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Her long awaited second album SOS. proved to be everything we needed and more from the vulnerable songstress. Taking her lessons in stride and recognizing just who she is, SZA let us know exactly how big her artistry spans, breaking streaming records at Spotify and scoring her first number one album.

19) Viola Davis

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Viola Davis is The Woman King. Her starring role in Gina Prince-Bythewood’s historical drama about a female African General received rightful acclaim, especially regarding Davis’ performance. Davis is already an acting legend in our eyes. 

20) Coco Jones

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Another Disney starlet on our list who is forging a path for herself, Miss Coco Jones does it all. From starring as Hillary Banks in the Fresh Prince reboot Bel-Air, to dropping a warmly received EP, it is clear that Coco is a star on the rise.

21) Nia Long 

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Miss Long is a living embodiment of strength and grace in times of public disarray. After her longtime partner’s cheating scandal made waves in sports and entertainment, Long rose above it all, focusing on her family and career as she stars in the final installment of The Best Man saga.

22) Rihanna

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Rihanna was a number one stunner in 2022. She went from donning a fabulous baby bump to sporting new MILF curves. On top of being this year’s favorite new mom, she landed the highly coveted NFL Super Bowl Halftime performance for 2023.