Throughout history, Black actors and actresses have had to play the role of the butlers, the sidekicks, the comedic relief, and everything other than the main character. Black trauma is constantly being showcased by the mainstream media, and during Black history month, there needs to be a focus on Black love, liberation, and joy. These are some TV shows and movies that showcase Black stories in a way that has not been done before. 

Moonlight

Oscar-nominated and black love…what more can you ask for? This movie follows the life of Chiron from childhood to adulthood. The young man must navigate through his sexuality as well as his life as a Black man growing up and living in Miami.

The Harder They Fall 

Black cowboys, man o man, this movie has everything a person can as for. Idris Elba as a western villain alongside Johnathan Majors as a passionate protagonist, and supporting roles by Regina King and LaKeith Stansfield. This movie will take you on a journey through the real wild wild west. 

Insecure 

Issa Rae, understood the assignment when it came to this hit HBO classic. This show follows the life of  Issa and how she navigates through her 20’s-30’s as a Black woman in LA. 

Pose

Revelountary is Pose, and Pose is revolutionary. This show looks at the ballroom scene following the lives of Black and Brown LGBTQIA+ individuals and how they handle the challenges they are facing as people of color and being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community in the 1980’2-1990’s. 

The Wonder Years 

A reboot of the hit TV that captured the hearts of families in the late 80s, but make it Black. The wonder years follow the life of Dean, a young African American boy, whose life is narrated by him but in the future. This nostalgic hit brings back the old-school vibes that mainstream television has missed. 

Abbott Elementary

Simply hilarious is the only way to describe Abbott Elementry. This show follows the life of elementary school teachers in Philadelphia, who have to deal with being underfunded and underrepresented. It showcases real issues but in a comedic way. 

Black Lightning

This show focuses on the Pierce family, who all happen to have superpowers. For the first time in a long time, a Black superhero family is a focus. The show takes a look into crime within the Black community as well as issues within the community but in a supernatural way.

Lovecraft Country

This show is horror done right, it not only capitalizes on problematic issues, but it also has an Indiana Jones-type feel. The HBO show is a constant adventure, that keeps you on the edge of your seat with every new episode.

Black stories are important, and recently Hollywood has highlighted Black stories without covering Black trauma and that is a great place to start. These movies and TV shows certainly showcase Black stories in a different light that has never been done before!