January 2021

Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, a Black immunologist at the NIH's Vaccine Research Center, was a lead scientist in developing the mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine used by Moderna and contributed critical research that informed the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Her work, conducted before many people had heard of mRNA vaccines, helped protect hundreds of millions of lives worldwide.

Raphael Warnock became the first Black senator from Georgia and the first Black Democrat elected senator from the South, while Jon Ossoff became the first Jewish senator from Georgia. Their dual victories flipped the Senate to Democratic control and represented a historic shift in Southern politics.

NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins was assigned to the Crew-4 mission to the International Space Station, making her the first Black woman to serve on a long-duration ISS crew. She launched in April 2022 and spent six months aboard the station.

Retired Army General Lloyd Austin was confirmed by the Senate as the 28th U.S. Secretary of Defense, becoming the first Black American to hold the position. A former Commander of U.S. Central Command, Austin's confirmation represented a historic milestone in civilian military leadership.

After a six-year hiatus, Jazmine Sullivan released 'Heaux Tales,' a critically acclaimed EP centering Black women's sexuality, desire, and worth. The project earned Grammy nominations and was lauded as one of the defining R&B works of the era, marking Sullivan's triumphant return.

Jay-Z's Roc Nation entertainment company continued its broad partnership with the NFL covering music and social justice initiatives, while Jay-Z expanded his portfolio to include a stake in the Denver Broncos' ownership group in 2022, becoming one of the few Black part-owners of an NFL franchise.

Harris becomes the first Black and first woman US Vice President.

The young poet's "The Hill We Climb" captivates a national audience.