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Home · Celebrity

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011

25 reasons To Love Black Women in 2011
By · Updated October 28, 2020
01
Oprah Winfrey Created OWN

Oprah left the limelight of her talk show to launch OWN Network, making her the second African-American woman to head a cable network. The first is Cathy Hughes. In 2011 she also received an honorary Oscar for her philanthropic work.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
02
Michelle Obama Shined

On top of working against childhood obesity, this year Mrs. Obama extended her services military families by launching the ‘Joining Forces’ initiative to raise awareness about their unique needs. She also traveled to South Africa where she met with Nelson Mandela.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
03
Natural Hair Revolution

Natural hair dominated the scene this year, as everyone from celebrities to co-workers left the perm behind and opted to show pride in their tresses!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
04
Wanda Sykes is a Survivor

Comedian Wanda Sykes joins the millions of Black women who affected by breast cancer. Luckily she survived after undergoing a double mastectomy. Wanda, you are an exemplar of strength.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
05
Rihanna Tops the Charts and Makes History

Rihanna is well on her way to being perhaps the most popular artist of our time. She recently broke Madonna’s record by earning her 20th top 10 single with “We Found Love” in just six short years. That’s a lot music! Madonna’s record was six years and nine months.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
06
Leymah Gbowee Won the Nobel Peace Prize

Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee and Liberian presdient Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf became the third and fourth Black women to win a Nobel Peace Prize for their work in the “non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
07
Nicki Minaj Wins Big

The outspoken rapper has had a great year. Honored as a Rising Star by Billboard, nominated for three Grammy awards, and now with her very own Barbie Doll, Nicki has won it big this year!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
08
Black Women Rule Reality TV

Face it, the TV screen loves us! There have been nine reality shows based around Black women in 2011 including ‘Braxton Family Values’ on WeTV. No matter what you think about reality shows — and we’ll admit some shows leave little to be proud of — we’re definitely tuning in to see ourselves.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
09
Black Women’s Self Esteem Radiates

Black women are ”three times as likely as Caucasian women to rate themselves at the ‘hot’ end of the spectrum" according to a recent survey by Allure Magazine. Sisters, say it with us now: “We love being Black women!”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
10
Alicia Keys Expands Her Reach

This year the singer made enormous leaps outside of her music. Aside from taking care of her son with hubby Swizz Beatz, the singer directed two documentaries – “Keep a Child Away” & “FIVE”, a Broadway play -“Stick Fly”, and starred in a new movie. We don’t know how she does it.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
11
Shonda Rhimes Expands Her Empire

Emmy nominated TV producer Shonda Rhimes has successfully sold four television shows this year. Already responsible for long-running hits like “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Private Practice,” Rhimes adds “Scandal” and “Wildwood” on Fox.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
12
Mary J. Blige is Always on Time

What would the music scene be without Mary J Blige? The Queen of Soul released her long-awaited album, “My Life II: The Saga Continues.”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
13
Leila Lopes Becomes Miss Universe

The Angolan became the fourth Black woman to win the title.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
14
Ledisi Gets Her Time to Shine

This was definitely Ledisi’s year. Besides launching her first solo tour, the singer snagged three Grammy Awards. Go Leds!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
15
Monica’s Love

Monica and Shannon Brown tied the knot this year, and we just have to say congrats to our girl. Your love is beautiful!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
16
Jill Scott is on Top

Jill Scott released two albums this year! Her latest one, "Light of the Sun,’ was her first number one album on the Billboard charts! Not to mention her phenomenal weight-loss! She looks amazing!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
17
Viola Davis Gets Her Moment

Viola Davis has had a phenomenal year! One of our ESSENCE cover stars, she adopted a child, and could potentially be getting an Oscar nod for her role in “The Help.”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
18
Tyra Banks is Unstoppable

This year Tyra took things to next level by enrolling at Harvard Business School, and releasing her first novel, “Modelland,” a New York Times bestseller.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
19
Tasha Smith Takes the Reign

The hilarious and down-to-earth Tasha Smith was our December cover star. Her year has been filled with highlights, including her movie, “Why Did I Get Married Too?” and her new show on TBS, “For Better or Worse.”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
20
Beyonce Becomes a Mom

Beyonce was all anyone talked about this year. Her latest album, ‘4’, went straight to the top of the charts, she performed four intimate nights at at Roseland, and gave birth to her first child, Blue Ivy Carter.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
21
Serena Williams Survives

The tennis star is the prime example of survival. After overcoming a pulmonary embolism – a blood clot in her lungs, the tennis champ has recovered gracefully. She was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
22
NeNe Leakes Steps Out

Love her or hate her, NeNe Leakes has given us plenty of laughs on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and has stepped out on her own with other ventures. She now is a restauranteur and has created her own Miss Moscato wine.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
23
Kelly Rowland Sizzles

The sultry diva has finally shed her sweet girl image and sizzles with songs like “Motivation” and “Lay it On Me.” Not to mention she is also a judge on X-Factor UK!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
24
Gayle King Lands New Gig

Oprah’s BFF, Gayle King will be hosting their her own morning show, “The Early Show,” with PBS TV host Charlie Rose!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
25
T-Boz Overcomes the Odds

This year T-Boz admitted to having a brain tumor removed. The singer, who also suffers from sickle cell anemia, is a prime example of strong woman overcoming unfortunate circumstances.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
26
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25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
27
Viola Davis Shines Onscreen

Viola Davis has had a phenomenal year! One of our ESSENCE cover stars, she adopted a child, and could potentially be getting an Oscar nod for her role in “The Help.”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
28
Mary J. Blige is Always on Time

What would the music scene be without Mary J Blige? The Queen of Soul released her long-awaited album, “My Life II: The Saga Continues.”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
29
Tasha Smith Takes the Reign

The hilarious and down-to-earth Tasha Smith was our December cover star. Her year has been filled with highlights, including her movie, “Why Did I Get Married Too?” and her new show on TBS, “For Better or Worse.”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
30
Shonda Rhimes Sells Scripts

Emmy nominated TV producer Shonda Rhimes has successfully sold four television shows this year. Already responsible for long-running hits like “Grey’s Anatomy,” and “Private Practice,” Rhimes adds “Scandal” and “Wildwood” on Fox.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
31
Beyonce is Pregnant

Beyonce was all anyone talked about this year. Her latest album, ‘4’, went straight to the top of the charts, she performed four intimate nights at at Roseland, and her biggest announcement of all, she and hubby Jay-Z are expecting their first child.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
32
Niecy Nash Ties the Knot

Niecy Nash had a surreal year this time around, the “Clean House” star shed some pounds, starred in her own reality show, and got hitched on national TV!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
33
Whitney Houson Is Back

Whitney is back! The coveted singer is back and soon to be on screen again after filming the remake of “Sparkle.”

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
34
NeNe Leakes Steps Out

Love her or hate her, NeNe Leakes has given us plenty of laughs on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and has stepped out on her own with other ventures. She now is a restauranteur and has created her own Miss Moscato wine.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
35
Rihanna Rockets to Top of Charts

Rihanna has been cranking out good music for the past few years, but this year has been phenomenal for the pop singer, who has rocketed to the top of the chart with numerous #1 singles putting her in the ranks of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
36
Serena Williams Survives

The tennis star is the prime example of survival. After overcoming a pulmonary embolism – a blood clot in her lungs, the tennis champ has recovered gracefully. She was appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
37
Alicia Keys Is On Top

Alicia Keys has made enormous leaps outside of her music. Aside from taking care of her son with hubby Swizz Beatz, the singer has directed two documentaries – “Keep a Child Away” & “FIVE”, a Broadway play -“Stick Fly”, and starred in a new movie.

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
38
Kelly Rowland Sizzles

The sultry diva has finally shed her sweet girl image and sizzles with songs like “Motivation” and “Lay it On Me.” Not to mention she is also a judge on X-Factor UK!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
39
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25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
40
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25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
41
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25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
42
Natural Hair Revolution
25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
43
Wanda Sykes is a Survivor
25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
44
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25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
45
Lauryn Hill Returns

Ecletic songstress Lauryn Hill has had a banner year! She gave birth to her sixth child earlier this summer, as well as was reunited with former bandmate Pras at Rock the Bells. She has been seen around town rocking the house at different venues!

25 Reasons Black Women Rocked in 2011
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