Eclectic, free-spirited, judgement-free, and loving the skin they’re in, it’s no secret that Carefree Black Girls won in 2015. As we bid adieu to 2015, we say thank you to Willow Smith, Amandla Stenberg, Gabourey Sidibe, Solange, Zendaya, and so many more #CFBGs who brought their expressions of style, swag, whimsy, and good vibes to the forefront.
Amandla is the ambassador of carefree coolness and 2015 was her year. From her YouTube video criticizing cultural appropriation to the creation of an empowering comic book, this 17-year-old embodies the “loving the skin you’re in” feminist movement that the world needs more of.
The world should always applaud the wonder that is Ms. Gabourey Sidibe. From the start of her career, she hasn’t been here for anyone’s nonsense. The 32-year-old actress had a big girl love moment on primetime television and eloquently shut down anyone who had a something negative to say about it. Don’t come for Gabby honey, especially if she didn’t send for you!
From the minute she stepped onto the scene, Janelle has never been one to conform to people’s expectations. She makes the music she loves, wears what she makes her comfortable, and walks and talks the way of a judgement-free life. With her songs, “Yoga” and Wondaland Records “Hell You Talmbout” she reminds us that being carefree and conscious go hand and hand. If that isn’t bliss we don’t know what is.
No carefree list would be complete without badgalriri! The year 2015 has been a preparation for the singer’s eighth studio album, ANTI. Whether she’s inking a $25 million sponsorship with Samsung, launching a sneaker line with Puma or steadily being a red carpet killer that makes our closets envious, Rihanna is the embodiment of sexy and carefree.
In all the ways she lifts our spirits on her Grammy nominated urban contemporary album, Blood, Lianne La Havas is a quirky and whimsical representation of what it means to march to the beat of your own drum while being carefree every step of the way.
Willow Smith is the embodiment of a carefree spirit. Her music is nothing but free-spirited expression, her Instagram, a reflection of what imaginative dreams should be, and her style is a curation all her own. Miss Smith, carry own being you, doing you, and showing the world what the magic of being carefree Black girl really is.
Erykah is a lifelong representation of what it means to be a carefree Black woman. Whether she’s dropping gems via social media or reminding us with her new mix-tape why we can’t use her phone, she’ll forever in our hearts be a lady of carefree wisdom.
Solange is the definition of what carefree should be: bold, happy, and non-apologetic. From her self-expression to her style, this New Orleans resident inspires us to think beyond our comfort zones, and color palletes. We’re still waiting on the follow up to her 2012 EP, True, but we’ll be patient because we know it will be just as cool, eclectic and inspiring as the lady herself.
Ava had a stellar year. Not only did she become the first Black woman nominated for a Golden Globe (for Selma), and direct a three-part Apple Music commercial featuring Mary J. Blige, Taraji P. Henson and Kerry Washington—which was a living testament to #BlackGirlMagic—but she was also honored with her very own Barbie doll that sold out within the hour of hitting shelves. She’s a director, a visionary, and certifiable carefree royalty.
Whether she’s making our hearts smile by sharing cute moments with her son or serving relationship goals with her man, Russell Wilson, Ci-Ci had a beautifully carefree year. She even gave us a great music moment with her sixth studio album, Jackie.
Lupita is a reminder to little girls everywhere that “no matter where [they’re] from [their] dreams are valid.” From the moment she graced the screen in 12 Years a Slave, has looked jaw-droppingly beautiful on a red carpet or entered the intergalactic world of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, our January 2016 cover girl is constant reflection of what it means to believe in the magic of yourself.
All hail Super Serena! The tennis star has had an amazing 2015 both on and off the court. Though she fell short of earning a calendar Grand Slam year, Serena is worthy of all the praise, capping off the year with winning her seventh overall and fourth consecutive WTA Player of the Year award. Her acceptance speech when she was crowned Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year brought tears to our eyes and stood as a reminder to be strong, wondrous, and oh so carefree.
Tracee Ellis Ross is like the carefree sister-friend we all wish we had. She’s beautiful, funny and she has a shoe game that is out of this world. With the second season of the ABC series Black-ish under her belt and a recent nomination for best actress in a comedy series from the Critics’ Choice Award, this leading lady is everything and more.
Uzo makes our hearts smile with her infectious joy! Her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch in NBC’s production, The Wiz Live, gave us yet another performance of hers to be proud of. This Nigerian beauty is a beautiful mix of moxy, grace, and humility.
The first lady of Top Dawg Entertainment has a refreshing vibe that we can’t get enough of. From her easygoing style to her laid-back personality, we can only imagine that this quality in such a carefree lady will stay the same going into the new year.
Zendaya is the thing that carefree excellence is made of. In 2015, she continually spokeher turth, and give us life by coming for Internet trolls, bad photoshop jobs, and fashion police aficionados. This 19-year-old isn’t only a clapback queen, she’s also an inspiration. The K.C. Undercover star was honored with her very own Barbie doll and not one but two, wax figures at Madame Tussads museum. Slay on, Zendaya, slay on!
Born to the queen mother of the carefree movement, Zoe inherited one of her mom, Lisa Bonet’s, most endearing qualities. This carefree-flower child is a fashion guide of simplicity, a beauty of rock-star edge, and a true definition of dope eclectic energy.
