Black excellence had a full-on run this week — from the Oscars stage to the HBCU yard, from a buzzy celebrity-filled senior night to a historic March Madness moment that had Howard celebrating its first NCAA Tournament win in program history. And because good Black news deserves its flowers, here’s the rundown. 

Ryan Coogler continued to make history with “Sinners,” winning Best Original Screenplay at the 98th Academy Awards. That win made Coogler only the second Black writer ever to take home the Oscar for Original Screenplay, following Jordan Peele, and added another major honor to a film that boasted a record 16 nominations. 

And speaking of “Sinners,” Michael B. Jordan made Oscars history of his own, taking home his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his dual performance as the twins Smoke and Stack. Jordan’s win capped a huge night for the film and marked a major milestone for one of Hollywood’s most consistent Black leading men. 

Over in the HBCU world, Florida A&M Marching 100 head drum major Oluwamodupe “Dupe” Oloyede was spotted at the Oscars helping lead the “I Lied to You” ensemble moment for “Sinners.” The appearance was another history-making moment for Oloyede, who is already the first female head drum major in the Marching 100’s history and a trailblazer for FAMU’s storied band program. 

And while we’re talking school…at UCLA, Jordan Chiles’ final home meet turned into a full-on cultural moment. Normani, Chloe Bailey, Winnie Harlow, Olandria, and Lexie Brown all came out to support the Olympic gold medalist on Senior Night. The celebrity turnout made the meet feel like a celebration of Black joy and excellence. Girl’s girls for the win!

And in college basketball, Howard University just made school history. The Bisons knocked off UMBC 86-83 in the First Four to earn their first-ever NCAA Tournament win, a breakthrough that had been a long time coming for the program and a major moment for HBCU sports. 

This has been the kind of week that reminds us Black history is not just something we honor in February, it’s something being made in real time, by the minute, on every stage and we love to see it!