Black History Month Trading Cards
BET celebrates BHM with commemorative gifs.
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Barack Obama Is Elected President - November 4, 2008, is a date we all have burned into our memory. Then-newly elected President Barack Obama, his wife, Michelle, and their two daughters dressed in red and black surrounding him as he addressed the crowds in Grant Park, Illinois, during his victory speech. "If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible," said the first Black president of the United States, "Tonight is your answer." Eight years later, it's still the answer. (Photo: BET)
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The First Air Jordans - When your favorite rappers dedicate anthems and diss tracks to a sneaker company, you know your culture currency is high. Michael Jordan's on-court contributions are G.O.A.T. status. But it's his multi-billion dollar shoe brand (which still earns him $100 million a year, according to Forbes) that laid the blueprint for athlete sneaker endorsements. Since 1985, Air Jordans have impacted pop culture, fashion, and helped make Nike the juggernaut of kicks. Don't expect the brand built by the Jumpman to fade away. (Photo: BET)
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Halle Berry and Denzel Washington Win Top Prize at the Oscars - Call it a make-up. In 2002, the first time since the Oscars began in 1929, two African-Americans won Best Actor and Best Actress. Giving the honor to both Denzel Washington for Training Day and Halle Berry for Monster's Ball was controversial, especially considering that the roles weren't their best work. (Denzel wins for Training Day but not Malcolm X?) But ultimately, it didn't matter. Seeing them both win top prize was a history-making moment. Unfortunately, 14 years later, the Oscars seem to be regressing: the 2016 nominees include not a single African-American in any of the top categories. We'll always have 2002. Cue that Jada Pinkett Smith speech right about now. (Photo: BET)
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First Black Woman Ambassador of Dior - For Rihanna, it's all or nothing at all. And in 2015, it was all about breaking records and being first. To start, she became the first Black woman to be named the face of legendary luxury fashion house Dior in their 60-year history. Oh, and she also managed to become the very first artist certified by the RIAA for one hundred million gold and platinum single sales. In January 2006, her first single, "Pon de Replay," was certified gold. Just eight years — and countless hit singles later — she became the highest selling singles artist of all time. (Photo: BET)
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Colin Powell Becomes Secretary of State - History will not be kind to George W. Bush's tenure as president. But there's a highlight — he appointed Colin Powell Secretary of State in 2001. Powell made it clear from day one that his job was to uphold his responsibilities as a member of a Republican White House, which often ran counter with what the Black community wanted to see. But when it mattered, Colin got on the right side of history, breaking ranks with his party by endorsing Barack Obama in 2008. (Photo: BET)
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