In an era where Black women are breaking barriers and setting new records across industries, the modern It-Girl isn’t just a fashion icon—she’s a history-maker with a story full of surprises. From the music industry to sports, business, and entertainment, these women are proving that glass ceilings were made to be shattered. But beyond their groundbreaking achievements, they also have some fascinating, unexpected quirks that make them even more iconic. Here are some incredible Black women’s history facts—and a few fun surprises—about today’s biggest It-Girls that you may not know!
Lupita Nyong’o: The First Kenyan Actress to Win an Oscar
Lupita Nyong’o made history in 2014 when she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “12 Years a Slave,” making her the first Kenyan and first Mexican-born actress to win an Oscar. Her grace, talent, and advocacy continue to inspire people worldwide.
Beyoncé: A Real Bee Lover
Beyoncé is no stranger to breaking records—she’s the most awarded female artist in Grammy history, the first Black woman to headline Coachella, and the first female artist to have her first six studio albums debut at No. 1. But beyond her groundbreaking achievements, she also has a surprisingly down-to-earth hobby: beekeeping. As British Vogue reported, Beyoncé keeps around 80,000 bees in two beehives at her home, producing hundreds of jars of honey each year. She started this practice because her daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi, have allergies, and she believes in honey’s healing properties. Even in her personal life, Beyoncé stays true to her name!
Serena Williams: The Athlete With the Most Grand Slam Titles
Serena Williams isn’t just a tennis star, she’s a living legend. With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she holds the record for the most major wins by any player in the Open Era. Beyond that, she’s opened doors for Black women in sports and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Misty Copeland: Dancing with Royalty
Misty Copeland was once a guest star in Prince’s 2009 tour and even performed in his music video for “Crimson and Clover.”
Prince was a fan of her Copeland’s talent and personally invited her to dance during his performances, showcasing her in an entirely different arena outside of classical ballet. This unique collaboration helped introduce Copeland to a broader audience before she made history at American Ballet Theatre. She became the first African-American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the 75-year history of the ABT.
Her connection with Prince is often overlooked in discussions about her career, but it highlights how her artistry transcends traditional ballet circles.
Zendaya: The Youngest Two-Time Emmy Winner for Lead Actress
Zendaya has been making waves in Hollywood since her Disney Channel days, but her role in “Euphoria” solidified her place in history. She became the youngest woman to win two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, proving that she’s not just a style icon but also an acting powerhouse.
Issa Rae: A Culinary Lover
Before “Insecure,” there wasn’t a show that fully captured the millennial Black woman’s experience in quite the same way. Issa Rae became the first Black woman to create and star in an HBO scripted series, paving the way for more Black-led storytelling in Hollywood.
Beyond Rae’s groundbreaking work in television and film is her lesser-known passion for the culinary world. In 2019, she became a co-owner of Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen, an independent coffee chain based in Los Angeles. This venture reflects her commitment to fostering community spaces and supporting local businesses. Additionally, Rae has expressed her love for cooking and has been known to host dinner parties for friends and colleagues, showcasing her talent and enthusiasm for bringing people together through food.
Ava DuVernay: The First Black Woman to Direct a $100M Film
When Ava DuVernay directed “A Wrinkle in Time” in 2018, she became the first Black woman to direct a film with a budget over $100 million. Her work has continuously uplifted Black stories, from “Selma” to “When They See Us,” changing the landscape of Hollywood forever.
Rihanna: From Army Cadet to Superstar
Rihanna holds countless records and accolades, but a little-known fact about her is that she was once an army cadet in Barbados before her rise to fame
As a teenager, she was part of a military training program in her home country, where she learned discipline and even practiced military drills. ELLE reports that Rihanna’s drill sergeant at the time was none other than Shontelle, the singer famous for the hit song “Impossible.”
Shontelle has joked in interviews about how she once had to order Rihanna to do push-ups, never imagining that her former cadet would go on to dominate the music industry.
Simone Biles: The Most Decorated Gymnast in History
Simone Biles has redefined what’s possible in gymnastics. With 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, she is the most decorated gymnast, male or female, of all time. And she’s still making history!
Megan Thee Stallion: The First Black Woman to Cover Forbes’ 30 Under 30
Megan Thee Stallion isn’t just a Grammy-winning rapper, she’s also a businesswoman and cultural force. In 2022, she made history as the first Black woman to cover Forbes’ 30 Under 30 issue, showing the world that she’s much more than just a hot girl, she’s a powerhouse.