Top 10 Black-Centered Must See TV Shows, Movies And Comedians
It’s Juneteenth tomorrow!
Most people have no clue what Juneteenth is and that’s not okay. We made it to 2020 and it’s time to turn up for blackness worldwide and get educated.
In short Juneteenth is to honour the end of slavery. June 19th 1865 was the day slaves were proclaimed free in America. Also known as Freedom Day and Emancipation Day.
In celebrating my blackness I’m sharing my favourite black-centered TV shows, films and comedians with you. If you don’t already know, I love a deep conversation and an uplifting laugh, this list of 10 resources is my go to mix of black celebration, education and entertainment.
Her’s To Celebrating Blackness Every Damn Day.
My Top 10 TV Shows, Movies And Comedians With A Brief Review:
TV Shows . . .
1. Black-ish
Follow the Johnson family as they navigate life and talk about important topics like Juneteenth, black hair, micro-aggressions at work, all shades of black and sociopolitical issues. I think anyone can relate to the essence of the characters and cast in this show.
2. Mixed-ish
Coming from a mixed family I relate to these episodes HARD. Mixed-ish follows Rainbow, the mom in Blackish to her childhood. It educates about being in a mixed marriage, working with mixed in-laws and raising your kids to be proud of who they are.
3. #BlackAF
Kenya Barris is the man behind the scenes of #1 and #2.
#BlackAF is the first time he’s in front of the camera and he knows how to keep it REAL. Literally every episode’s thesis is ‘Because of slavery’. #BlackAF is raw and real. Literally filmed in a style where you see both the behind the scenes camera people and the cast in the same shot. An authentic, straight shooter’s depiction of why slavery in essence is the seed of generational trauma.
4. Insecure
Issa Rae is as rare as a unicorn. She’s the creator and star of the show that portray’s a young woman’s journey of purpose, love, friendships and impact. The soundtrack is bomb. The characters defined to a T.
Issa knows how to keep it quirky and real.
Movies . . .
5. Waves
One of the greatest depictions of how generational trauma affects a family, a town and the shadows of the justice system. This movie is riveting, prepare for your heart strings to get a workout. And I don’t say that about just ANY movie.
6. The High Note
Whatever Tracee Ellis Ross is involved in, I’m here for. This film follows her character around the music scene in LA where her voice, ego and talent reach new heights. The songs she recorded for this film resonate with any woman’s journey to owning all of who you are.
7. The Sun Is Also A Star
If you don’t know who Yara Shahidi is, look her up. She’s a force to be reckoned with. In this movie she plays a determined woman in a sweet love story set in New York City. It happens in one day, it’s multicultural and shines light on the struggles on an undocumented family fighting for their home.
Comedy . . .
8. Tiffany Haddish
Is an teacher above all. Her come up is heart-wrenching and profound. You can find her on Netflix where she openly talks about her struggles with PTSD, trauma, the foster care system and mental health and some how makes it all hilarious.
9. Trevor Noah
Is beyond our time. His ability to address and weave sociopolitical issues into comedy is tremendous. His sharp mind and impressions are legendary.
10. Yvonne Orji
Starring alongside Issa Rae in Insecure Yvonne plays a somewhat serious yet firecracker lawyer. Little did I know she’s a comedian and beautifully shares her Nigerian culture through impeccable story telling that’ll have you deep belly laughing in no time.
Thank you for reading, pursing and celebrating with us!
