Notable Black Moments In 2025

Source: Getty / General

Updated Oct. 3, 2025 4:40 p.m.

Sean “Diddy” Combs, 55, has been sentenced to 50 months in Manhattan federal court following his conviction for transporting women to participate in drug-fueled sex marathons.

Presiding over the case, Judge Arun Subramanian handed down the sentence after a jury found Combs guilty in July on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, related to his former girlfriend Cassie Ventura and a woman identified in court as “Jane.” Each count carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. Combs was acquitted of the more serious racketeering and sex trafficking charges, which could have resulted in a life sentence.

Federal prosecutors had requested a sentence of more than 11 years, or no less than 135 months, along with the maximum fine of $500,000, arguing that Combs had shown no remorse and that his punishment should reflect the substantial psychological, emotional, and physical harm inflicted on his victims.

The defense had sought a sentence of no more than 14 months, citing Combs’s time already served since his arrest in September 2024 and claiming that his legacy and reputation had been destroyed.

On the eve of sentencing, Combs submitted a four-page letter to the court expressing remorse. “I realize that this trial has received a tremendous amount of global press and Your Honor may be inclined to make an example out of me,” he wrote, asking to be made an example of what a person could achieve if given a second chance.

From sports to politics to entertainment, keep scrolling for some of the notable moments of 2025 that we’ll never forget.

1. Diddy sentenced to 50 months of incarceration

2. Latto Finally Confirms Long-Rumored Relationship With “Husband” 21 Savage

3. Cardi B claims Nicki Minaj needs ‘to get help’ amid heated online exchange

4. Saucy Santana Rips JT To Shreds After The City Girl Targets Him In Her Latest Online Tirade

5. Cardi B Apologizes To Latto Following Leaked Audio Mention

6. Music producer Metro Boomin found not liable in sexual assault trial

7. It’s a Girl! Rihanna and A$AP Rocky Introduce Daughter Rocki Irish Mayers

8. Cardi B exclusively opens up about pregnancy, new album and finding stability with Stefon Diggs

9. Arrest made in theft of hard drives with unreleased Beyoncé music

10. Malcolm-Jamal Warner honored by family with foundation

11. Multiple historically Black universities under lockdown after receiving threats

12. Mariah Carey Accepts Video Vanguard Award

13. Young Thug Seemingly Addresses Online Backlash After Jail Calls Leak

14. Carmelo Anthony shares emotion, inspiration in hard-won Hall of Fame moment

15. Young Thug Claims Gunna Owes Him An Explanation As A Man Even If He Doesn’t Want To Hear It

16. Ciara’s son with rapper Future now officially carries Russell Wilson’s last name after legal change

17. Mike Tyson and Floyd Mayweather Jr. agree to 2026 exhibition fight

18. Latto, Ice Spice squash rumored feud and drop new song

19. Montell Jordan Announces His Cancer Has Returned and Spread

20. Karen Huger, ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ star, released from prison after DUI conviction

21. Buccaneers waiving rookie safety Shilo Sanders, agents say

22. Kobe Bryant Movie in the Works: Warner Bros. Nabs Spec Script About Lakers Star’s Dramatic Draft Day

23. Lil Nas X Pleads Not Guilty After Arrest in Los Angeles

24. ‘Power’ actor Alix Lapri arrested in Georgia, charged with child cruelty and disorderly conduct

25. JaNa Craig Spotted Cozying Up With Rapper Key Glock in NYC

26. Lil Yachty Faces Backlash Over Controversial George Floyd Lyric

27. Court denies Tory Lanez’s request to submit new evidence in Megan Thee Stallion shooting case

28. Wendy Williams’ Guardianship Is Upheld After New Medical Exam Results

29. Rapper T-Hood’s slaying may have been self-defense as police suspect girlfriend’s brother

30. Sha’Carri Richardson Issues Public Apology to Christian Coleman Following Domestic Violence Arrest

31. Shannon Sharpe Out at ESPN Following Lawsuit Settlement

32. Deion Sanders says he had bladder cancer but will coach Buffaloes this season

33. Destiny’s Child reunites for surprise performance during Beyoncé’s final show in Las Vegas

34. Atlanta Rapper Cash Out Gets Life For Rape & Trafficking Charges

35. Klay Thompson, Megan Thee Stallion make red carpet debut, confirm relationship

36. Shannon Sharpe, rape accuser settle $50 million lawsuit

37. Southern University expels Omega Psi Phi chapter after February hazing death of Caleb Wilson

38. Atlanta rapper Ca$h Out being sentenced in sex trafficking case

39. Nessa Diab Doubles Down On Smear Campaign Claims Against Jay-Z

40. Nicki Minaj and SZA’s online clash raises eyebrows

41. Unreleased Beyoncé Music Stolen in Atlanta Before Cowboy Carter Tour

42. Trey Songz Under Investigation For Alleged Brutal Attack On Photographer

43. Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell gets engaged to R&B singer Coco Jones

44. Boxing star Gervonta Davis arrested in Miami on battery charge

45. Sky superstar Angel Reese debuts Reebok signature shoe on NBA 2K26 WNBA Edition cover

46. Married to Medicine’s Dr. Heavenly Kimes Launches Run for Georgia State Representative

47. Sarah Jakes and Touré Roberts installed as Potter’s House co-senior pastors

48. Rapper Trippie Redd arrested trying to board flight at MIA

49. Combs found guilty of prostitution charges but not guilty of most serious counts

50. Diddy Jury Deadlocked on Racketeering Charge After Partial Verdict in Sex Trafficking Trial

51. Judge Dismisses Jay-Z’s Extortion, Defamation Lawsuit Against Tony Buzbee

52. Chris Brown’s Lawsuit Over Alleged Nightclub Attack Dismissed by Accuser

53. Jury deliberations begin in Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs trial

54. NBA’s Dillon Brooks Files Restraining Order Against Ex-Girlfriend, Alleging Harassment, Threats

55. Christian Keyes Snatches His Hit Show “All The Queen’s Men” from BET Over Alleged Lack of Transparency from the Network

56. Beyoncé brings out Miley Cyrus during ‘Cowboy Carter’ stop in Paris

57. Tyler Perry’s attorney calls $260 million sexual assault lawsuit a ‘scam’

58. R. Kelly’s Lawyers Allege Prison-Related Overdose and Denied Medical Care

59. Jackie Christie Gets into Altercation with Daughter

60. Bryshere Gray (‘Empire’) Charged with Assault After Hotel Altercation

61. ‘RHOA’ Star Porsha Williams Wins Prenup Battle With Ex Simon Guobadia

62. Lithonia rapper Silentó pleads guilty, sentenced to 30 years in prison for cousin’s shooting death

63. Mariah Carey Honored With Ultimate Icon Award at 2025 BET Awards — Her First BET Award Ever

64. Kirk Franklin Accepts the Ultimate Icon Award

65. Jamie Foxx breaks down in emotional BET Awards 2025 speech two years after stroke

66. Khaby Lame Was Detained by ICE, Agency Confirms

67. ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Brit Eady sues Bravo over explicit photo

68. Halle Berry’s Boyfriend Van Hunt Proposed—But She Hasn’t Responded Yet

69. Diddy paid $100K for video of hotel beating, security guard testifies

70. The Real Housewives of Atlanta Dwight Eubanks Reveals Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

71. Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony, graduates high school

72. Megan Thee Stallion Announces New Anime Series, Teams with ‘The Boondocks’ Producer

73. Zion Williamson sued over allegations of rape, years of abuse

74. Diddy’s Lawyers Fight to Remove Kid Cudi’s Testimony About Porsche Fire

75. Janet Jackson accepts ICON Award and performs at the 2025 AMAs

76. Lauren and Cameron Hamilton announced they are expecting their first baby together

77. Love is Blind stars AD & Ollie announce pregnancy

78. Kai Cenat kicks off Streamer University

79. Skilla Baby shot in Detroit.

80. Tory Lanez transferred to another prison after being stabbed

81. Chris Brown granted bail by the U.K. courts

82. Skai Jackson Granted Restraining Order Against Alleged Abusive Ex

83. Megan Thee Stallion claps back at Tory Lanez & his fans

84. Jamal Roberts wins American Idol

85. Halle Bailey Seeks Protection From DDG, Alleges Abuse

86. Jayson Tatum undergoes surgery for torn achilles

87. Cassie testifies at Diddy’s trial

88. Tory Lanez Hospitalized After Prison Stabbing Incident

89. Jury Finalized for Diddy’s Federal Criminal Trial in NYC, Opening Statements Set

90. Trump abruptly fires librarian of congress

91. Newark Mayor Detained By ICE

92. Bishop T.D. Jakes Announces Leadership Transition at The Potter’s House

93. Shilo Sanders signs with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a free agent

94. Shedeur Sanders selected by the Cleveland Browns In The NFL Daft

95. Tina Knowles Reveals Breast Cancer Battle

96. Shannon Sharpe Accused of Rape in $50 Million Lawsuit

97. Brian Steel joins Diddy’s defense team

98. Gayle Kings makes her way to space

99. Vybz Kartel shuts the Barclays center down

100. Michelle Obama addresses divorce rumors

101. Toni Braxton and Birdman allegedly tied the knot?

102. Soulja Boy to pay over $4 million in damages for sexual assault and battery case

103. Warner Bros To Revamp 1992 Blockbuster hit ‘The Bodyguard’

104. Detroit Rapper Sada Baby Arrested on Drug Warrant

105. Lebron James becomes first male athlete with own Ken Doll

106. Nicki Minaj named Billboard’s best female rapper of all time

107. Juju Watkins named AP women’s college basketball player of the year

108. Tamar Braxton Claps back at Jessie Woo

109. Sean Kingston And his mother, Janice Turner, found guilty on all five charges in wire fraud trial

110. Deion Sanders signs a 5-year, $54 million contract extension

111. Judge Dismisses Lil Rod’s Lawsuit Against Diddy

112. Juju Watkins Suffers Torn ACL

113. Are Sherri & Nia Long Beefing?

114. Sauce Walka Shot In Downtown Memphis

115. Yella Beezy Arrested For Capital Murder

116. Lil Durk Hints At Marriage To India Royale In New Single

117. Boosie Announces Scholarship To Honor Caleb Wilson

118. Fivio Foreign Has Been Jailed Since January

119. Jonathan Majors seemingly admits to strangling his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari

120. UMG Files To Dismiss Drake’s Lawsuit

121. DK Metcalf announces engagement to Normani

122. DC bids farewell to Black Lives Matter Plaza

123. Wendy Williams Passes Capacity Exam

124. Wendy Williams taken by ambulance after dropping desperate note from NYC window begging for help

125. Doechii Named Billboard’s Woman Of The Year

126. Odell Beckham Jr. Named In Diddy Lawsuit

127. Druski Named In Diddy Lawsuit

128. DDG Calls Halle Bailey Out Alleging He Hasn’t Seen Baby Halo In A Month

129. Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai Seemingly Confirm They Have a Baby Together

130. Amber Rose Addresses Joseline Incident On College Hill

131. Queen Latifah Performs During Quincy Jones Tribute At The Oscars

132. Oprah & Whoopi Goldberg Pay Tribute To Quincy Jones At The Oscars

133. Doja Cat Performs Diamonds Are Forever During James Bond Tribute At The Oscars

134. Paul Tazewell Becomes The First Black Man To Win Best Costume Design At The Oscars

135. Gervonta Davis & Lamont Roach’s Fight Ends In Equal Draw

136. Paige Hurd & Rocye O’Neal Announce Engagement

137. RHOP Star Karen Huger Sentenced To Two Years In Prison With One Suspended

138. The Wayans Family Accepts Hall of Fame NAACP Image Award

139. Kamala Harris Delivers Powerful Speech At NAACP Awards

140. Simon Guobadia Gets Detained By ICE

141. Cassie Announces She’s Expecting Baby #3 With Husband

142. Diddy Loses A Lawyer Ahead Of His Trial

143. Kodak Black, Tiger Woods & More Attend Black History Month Event At White House

144. Winnie Harlow & Kyle Kuzma Announce Engagement

145. Kendrick Lamar Makes Hip-Hop History With Three of the Top 10 Albums on the Billboard 200

146. Kevin Hart Shows Up & Shows Out As the first on court-emcee for the NBA Allstar Game

147. JAY-Z Rape Lawsuit Dismissed, Sues Tony Buzbee For Defamation

148. Kanye West & Bianca Censori Reportedly Headed Towards Divorce

149. Real Housewives of Potomac Star Ashley Darby Finalizes Divorce

150. The Philadelphia Eagles Dominate The Kansas City Chiefs & Win The Super Bowl

151. Samuel L. Jackson Joins Kendrick For His Halftime Performance

152. Kendrick Lamar & SZA Perform At Super Bowl LIX Halftime

153. Jon Batiste Sings The National Anthem At Super Bowl LIX

154. Ledisi Sings Lift Every Voice & Sing At Super Bowl LIX

155. Randy Moss’ Emotional Return to NFL Countdown

156. No More BMF? 50 Cent Beefs With Lil Meech & Big Meech

157. Beyonce drops dates for highly anticipated COWBOY CARTER tour

158. Beyonce wins her first ever Album Of The Year for COWBOY Carter at the GRAMMYs

159. Beyonce becomes the first black woman to win in the ‘country’ category at the GRAMMYs in 50 years

160. Alicia Keys wins Dr. Dre Global Impact Award at the GRAMMYs

161. Kendrick Lamar Wins 5 GRAMMYs for ‘Not Like Us’ and becomes the most awarded rap song in #GRAMMYs history

162. Doechii Becomes the third woman to win Best Rap Album at the GRAMMYs

163. Beyonce Announces COWBOY CARTER Tour

164. WNBA Star A’ja Wilson Gets Jersey Retired At University of South Carolina

165. YFN Lucci Is Released From Prison

166. Angel Reese Pays Off Her Mama’s Mortgage

167. The Philadelphia Eagles & The Kansas City Chiefs Will Meet Again At Super Bowl LIX

168. Skai Jackson Announces Arrival Of Her First Child

169. NFL Announces That SZA Will Join Kendrick Lamar During His Super Bowl Halftime Performance

170. Nelly Performs At Trump’s Inaugural Ball

171. Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross Perform At Crypto Ball Despite Backlash

172. Supreme Court Upholds TikTok Ban

173. Wendy Williams Speaks Out About Guardianship

174. Busta Rhymes Turns Himself In For Allegedly Assaulting Assistant

175. Beyoncé Postpones Anticipated Jan. 14th Announcement Due to L.A. Wildfires

176. Zendaya & Tom Holland Announce Engagement

177. Chicago Bulls Announce They Will Retire Derrick Rose’s #1

178. Nicki Minaj Allegedly Hit With Assault & Battery Lawsuit

179. Shannon Sharpe Hints At Another Katt Williams Interview 👀

180. Simone Biles Revealed As Sports Illustrated’s 2024 Sportsperson of the Year

Here Are Some Notable Moments Of Black Culture In 2025

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