Black History Day 9: Black TV

February 9, 2017

When I was growing up, TV shows with all black casts were LIT! You want to talk about representation? These shows had it! We got to see everything Black: family, love, the struggle to find love, friendship, success, HBCUs, and, most importantly, Black people that were unapologetically proud to be black.

On the other hand, we got to see them struggle with racism that included racial slurs, stereotypes, police brutality, and driving while black. Our shows were the prototype for good television. That show that white people think is the greatest show ever? Friends? Inspired by Living Single. They took a show meant for Black people and turned it into a white cast. The Cosby’s were a family for everyone. They were successful parents that spent time with their family and taught their kids life lessons that were fun, yet insightful.

I could go on, but here are some of the shows that helped to shape the Black experience: A Different World, Living Single, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, The Cosby Show, Girlfriends, Family Matters, The Steve Harvey Show, Sister, Sister, Half & Half, My Brother & Me, Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper, Moesha, and The Bernie Mac Show.