This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at La Salle chapter.
We are all aware that mainstream entertainment is not too diverse. Growing up as a person of color watching TV, you would see little to no representation on screen. Thankfully things are changing, and we see many Black people went from playing background characters to finally getting the recognition they deserve as leads. In this article, I’m going to give you 15 tv shows and movies (old and new) that paved way and will continue to pave way for Black people
Blackish
- This series stars an all-black cast, with faces like Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross in the mix. It speaks to the many problems that young black people face in today’s society and helps educate on topics of racism and colorism.
BlacKkKlansman
- This movie features John David Washington, who plays Ron Stallworth. In order for him to make a name of himself, he has to able to infiltrate the Klan and take them down.
Get Out
- This movie stars Daniel Kaluuya, who plays Chris, and his relationship with Rose, a white woman. When he goes home with her to finally meet her parent, he finds out that they problems that run deep into many generations.
Girls’ Trip
- This movie centers around lead actresses, Jada Pinkett Smith, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah, and Regina Hall, who play a group of best friends. They break the stereotype that women can’t do whatever they want and show us that girls just want to have fun! Follow them through the movie as they go on the trip of a lifetime.
How to Get Away with Murder
- Viola Davis is one of the leads in this series, and my goodness can this women act. She plays the character Annalise Keeting, who goes to great lengths to help her students in the classroom and outside of it. Viola Davis has also won an Oscar, thank to her role in Fences.
Insecure
- This series show stars, Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji, as they deal with their flaws and doubts going through life. We can see how friendship can be the most supportive role in someone’s life. A must watch for those coming into a healthy place of mind.
Moesha
- Starring Brandy, Marcus T. Paulk, Shar Jackson, and Sheryl Lee Jackson and many more, we follow Moesha as she learns to deal with having a stepmom, high school, and the boy problems that come with it. We see the main character grow to love her family and accept her place in life.
Remember the Titans
- An old one but a good one, this movie focuses on the integration issues many black people faced when it came to integration. Denzel Washington, who plays coach Herman is able to bring his team together, despite all the threats he received from the white people in town.
The Black Panther
- This is a movie that broke down borders and tore down walls, with an all-black cast. Chadwick Boseman, who plays T’challa, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Letitia Wright, and many more take part in making sure Wakanda continues to stand strong. Despite all the forces trying to tear it down, they are able to overcome.
The Boondocks
- A cartoon show that features the voices of Gary Anthony Williams, Regina King, and many others. It shows how Huey and Riley adjust to moving to a suburban town, with their grandfather and how he adapts to living out his life not so peacefully.
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah
- This night talk show stars Trevor Noah, who covers many controversial topics going on in society. He has a satirical sense of humor, which one can appreciate when he calls out people on their ignorance.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
- This legendary show follows Will Smith as moves to California from Philly because of a little trouble he got in. We see his character grow and mature through years as he deals with the cards handed to him and helps us understand the inner workings of life.
The Hate U Give
- Based off the book, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, we follow Starr Carter, played by Amandla Stenberg, as she learns to find her voice after she experiences first hand her best friend being shot. This movie accurately depicts many of the problems in society especially surrounding police brutality, gun violence in the black community. It shows what happens when you give hate to each other and how it affects future generations.
The Proud Family
- This cartoon sitcom, follows Penny Proud, voiced by Kyla Pratt, as she navigates middle school and high school. She has many issues to face but with the help of her family, she deals with them and grows.
The Pursuit of Happyness
- In this movie Will Smith plays Chris Gardner, father of little Chris (Jaden Smith), a man who is able to take on every hardship head on. He loses his job and his home, but he fights for his future and for the future of his son. This movie breaks the stereotype that dads can’t be single dads, as well as breaking hearts during the emotional scenes.
Let’s honor all the hard work that all of these actors, plus the many not included with all that they have accomplished.