A look back at 2025 with UATL’s Mike Jordan

As the year winds down it’s time to rejoice, recap and reflect.

UATL’s staff members are looking back at Black culture and remembering what mattered in 2025. In this story, senior lifestyle reporter Mike Jordan shares memories of the year that was.

What was one of the biggest moments in Black culture in Atlanta in 2025?

It really has to be Outkast being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We planned for it and put out some great UATL stories leading up to the big night but there really was nothing like the night they came on stage and accepted. The afterglow for the next week was proof that it was a magical moment that really mattered, especially here in ATL.

Name someone who mattered in Black culture, and tell us why:

Deante Kyle. His voice and stream-of-consciousness style of content creation made social media a smarter and far more interesting place. Plus, I got introduced to him at an event earlier in the year (he lives in Atlanta I think) — he was cooler than a case of Coronas. It’s always dope when interesting people become famous but handle it like everyday people. That’s actually the Atlanta way.

What was one of your favorite albums released in 2025, and why?

I loved “Let God Sort Em Out” by Clipse. The Thornton brothers, Pusha T and Malice, sounded so sharp together, and Pharrell Williams clearly hasn’t lost any bit of his touch handling their production.

But at the tail end of the year I discovered this group of brothers from Decatur called Hero The Band, which has been releasing albums since 2016. I wasn’t familiar until they recently went viral standing in front of Southwest DeKalb High School playing their song “Drugs.”

Their album “Anatomy: Part 1″ is really, really good. You can see these guys taking over music at the pop level, which is something Atlanta usually only does with hip-hop and R&B.

Tell us which movie you loved most this year, and why:

“One Battle After Another” was just really good. I wasn’t sure what to expect so I caught it late, but I can tell I’m probably going to end up watching it 100 times in the next couple years. Teyana Taylor’s character was wild AF, but it also had great storytelling, cinematography, culture, villanry (Sean Penn was brilliant), action and comedy. I’m betting now it’s gonna be the Oscar darling.

What do you think changed in Black culture for the better in 2025?

Black people continue to create and build community. It’s happening in all sorts of ways that seem genuine, almost like a response to some of the very hateful things we’re seeing in this country and the world today. In restaurants, at events, with themed parties, line dances, travel, niche interest groups and more, I keep seeing us looking out for those who are trying to find their tribes. It’s encouraging for the future.

What is something you hope to leave in 2025 and not revisit in 2026?

People’s tea and all the takes. I can’t take it anymore. Please take it away.

What was something that people should have paid more attention to this year, in your opinion?

How their friends, family members and neighbors are doing. Check on your people in 2026!

What do you expect Atlanta to be like during the World Cup?

Crazy. Honestly, I’m concerned. Not scared or anything but … it still feels like we’re slow-walking into this thing. If this is real, and just six months away, and if the World Cup is as big as it looks on TV … um … I feel like we’re still kinda asking ‘What we doin’? '