In vs. Out 2025: NAACP Edition
Black people have always been at the forefront of all forms of cultural phenomenon, especially when it comes to setting trends. From music to fashion, and from sports to STEM, Black contributions are everywhere. When we create, we inspire. When we innovate, we change the world. And when we lead, we move the masses.
As a new year approaches, we reflect on the year that's passed — a year that challenged us, a year that at times let us down, a year we rose above time and time again.
To keep advancing, we must fight back and reject anything less than excellence — politically, socially, economically, creatively, and culturally.
To that end, the NAACP compiled its own list of what's in and out for 2025 — some for the people and some for the culture. Let's get into it.
🔥 IN 💪🏽
1. Black leadership/entrepreneurship
2. Authentic allyship (i.e. Be about that action.)
3. Cultural appreciation
4. Sustainable wellness
6. Inclusive classrooms (Respect our history.)
7. "Beyond the Gates"
8. Genre blending (Shout out to Beyoncé.)
9. Supporting women's sports
10. Our 2025
👎🏽 OUT 🚫
1. "Black jobs"
2. Performative activism (*Cough* "blue bracelets")
3. Cultural appropriation (Let's face it, this is out every year but it bears repeating.)
4. Grind/Hustle culture (We can't advocate for ourselves or anyone else if we're not ok.)
5. Tokenism
6. Book bans
7. "Good Times" reboot
8. Filing a lawsuit in the middle of a rap battle (We're kidding… but come on.)
9. Underpaying female athletes... and all women. (Let's close that pay gap!)
10. Project 2025.
Tag @NAACP on social and let us know what you'd add to the list.