19 Moments Of Vintage Black Joy You Didn’t Know You Didn’t Know You Needed To See

By Keyaira Boone ·Updated December 23, 2021

The year 2021 is ending with an Omarion-sized bang so we’re looking to the past for some sugar and spice.

Despite what mainstream media may show of Black life, we don’t just exist to resist and persist. We smile, we cuddle, we laugh, we love, we care and we have done so since the beginning of time.

Spend time with some of your favorite faces from Broadway, the big screen, basketball courts, and record shelves as they share a canoodle and a kiki with their friends, family, and fellow glitterarti in these fun throwback snapshots caught over the decades. Catfights might get more clicks but even divas form bonds and have fun with their fellow friends in the spotlight.

See an actor and activist kick off his career with a co-worker in the sound booth. Watch a beauty-queen-turned-Broadway-baby nestle into mommy mode. See two superstars come together at an iconic New York landmark. Follow atarget="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="R&B legend (opens in a new tab)">R&B legend. Witness a ‘90s dream girl before she snagged an Oscar as she shares a moment with a certified musical genius. Watch a popping “pusher man” teach us how to pull up in style. Look at a television mother and son duo as they “D up” on the court, and a real mother and son prep for a huge occasion.

Relive some enchanting moments by checking out 19 moments of Black joy below.

01Nat King Cole And Diahann CarrollThe pair shared a giggle in the studio.

(Photo by ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images) 02Harry Belafonte And Margaret TynesThis pair was known for their voices but we’re in love with their smiles.

Getty Images 03Curtis Mayfield At Studio 54Mayfield cut a rug at Studio 54.

(Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns) 04Curtis MayfieldThen he posted up out front with the squad in the big boy. A gawd!

(Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns) 05Grace Jones And Tina TurnerThe two rebels linked up for some laughs at the Ritz.

(Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images) 06Andre Harrell And Halle BerryThe late Andre Harrell and Halle ‘I Never Age’ Berry shared a laugh on the set of risky business.

(Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives) 07Luther Vandross And Will SmithThey kicked it backstage at the Grammys in a pair of eye-catching jackets.

(Photo by Robin Platzer/Getty Images) 08Stevie Wonder And Whitney HoustonThe legendary vocalists were all smiles when they came together at an event.

(Photo by Lester Cohen) 09Denzel Washington And Sheryl Lee RalphThe young actors popped out to support the charity’s work.

(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc) 10Danitra Vance And Loretta DevineDanitra Vance and Loretta Devine had a kiki on the carpet at the “Sticky Fingers” premiere.

NEW YORK CITY – MAY 2: Danitra Vance and Loretta Devine attend the premiere of “Sticky Fingers” on May 2, 1988 at the Public Theater in New York City. (Photo by Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) 11First Priority Music Takes A Cruise Around ManhattanMC Lyte kicks it with Mahogony and Swatch on a cruise around Manhattan.

(Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives) 12Vanessa WilliamsVanessa Williams posed for a few pictures with her eldest children Melanie and Jillian.

(Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) 13Phylicia Rashad And Malcolm Jamal WarnerWe’re here for everything about this moment between the fictional mother and son.

(Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images) 14Lil’ Kim And Missy ElliotIf there’s anything more special than a life long friendship we haven’t found it.

(Photo by KMazur/WireImage) 15Quincy Jones And Eddie MurphyWe love to see Black men loving on each other!

(Photo by L. Cohen/WireImage) 16DiddyBrother Love took a moment with Mom Dukes before a Sean John show before selling and reacquiring the brand years later. Miss Janice ain’t raise no fools!

(Photo by George De Sota/Newsmakers) 17Diana Ross And Tracee Ellis RossSo an iconic Diva, a Golden Globe winner and a camel walk into the Jerusalem sun…

(Photo credit DAOUD MIZRAHI/AFP via Getty Images) 18Clive Davis’ Annual Grammy PartyA few years later they tore up at the stage at Clive Davis’ legendary Grammys party. The family that plays together….

(Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images) 19The Opening of DreamGirlsLoretta Devine, Sylvester Stallone and Sheryl Lee Ralph share a moment backstage at the opening of the musical in 1982.