2024 was something else.
As the year closes out, UATL’s staff members are looking back at Black culture and remembering what mattered. In this story, UATL senior editor Mike Jordan shares memories of the year that was.
What was one of the biggest moments in Black culture in Atlanta in 2024?
We had a lot, so this might be controversial. I’d have to say Atlanta being the subject of the whole third verse of “Not Like Us,” which is one of the most consequential rap songs of all time, was the biggest.
Kendrick Lamar made it clear that the crown for Black culture remains in ATL. And it’s not like he doesn’t borrow a bit from Bankhead every now and then, right?
Credit: TNS
Credit: TNS
Name someone who mattered in Black culture, and why:
Katt Williams. Everything changed after he appeared on Shannon Sharpe’s, “Club Shay Shay” podcast, and we still weren’t ready for all that truth.
Katt needs a major network talk show, ASAP. I’d pay to watch him and other people have conversations.
Credit: CLUB SHAY SHAY
Credit: CLUB SHAY SHAY
What was the most memorable album of 2024?
“Alligator Bites Never Heal” by Doechii. I remember feeling hopeful for hip-hop after listening to song after song of that album, and realizing it wasn’t just a good song or two — it was just pure creative brilliance and execution. And there were some great albums released this year but Doechii feels like the one that mattered most for what’s coming.
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Which 2024 movie will you remember most, and why?
I really got into “Dune: Part Two.”
I’ve watched it at least three times, and I’m not quick to jump into science fiction like that (or movies in general if I’m being honest), but it was dope as hell to me. I liked how the main character Paul evolved from the beginning to the end, and Zendaya was great as Chani. I’m ready for that third joint to drop.
Credit: TNS
Credit: TNS
Who is someone we should be watching in 2025 in Black Atlanta culture?
Sen. Raphael Warnock. He’s popular, not up for election, leads a storied house of worship here in Atlanta which is about as Black culture as you can possibly get, and he’s in a unique position right now.
When Trump takes office again, Warnock could emerge as an even more powerful and influential figure than he already is.
Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez
Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez
What was something that people should have paid more attention to last year, in your opinion?
The Supreme Court decision granting immunity to the president of the United States for any “official act” taken while in office.
We’re probably going to see something from the White House testing the limits of that decision, and I can already see people who thought they weren’t talmbout nothing making weird faces when things inevitably happen.
What is something you hope to leave in 2024 and not revisit in 2025?
People filming themselves eating mac and cheese in their cars, trying to be the next Keith Lee.
Credit: Jordan Strauss
Credit: Jordan Strauss
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