In recent decades, the representation of Black individuals, stories, and experiences in popular culture has undergone significant shifts.
These changes have been instrumental in challenging racial stereotypes, raising awareness for inequality in society, and fostering pride and empowerment as well as recognising in the Black community.
As part of Black History Month, we’re highlighting some of our favourite examples of Black creativity and excellence across film, television, music and literature!
Film
The film industry and Hollywood are constantly being pressed on its need to create a diverse range of stories.
Increasingly, these films are receiving critical acclaim and prestigious awards when historically they had been snubbed.
Here are some must-watch films:
Jordon Peele’s Horror – GET OUT, (2017), US (2019), NOPE, (2022)
JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH (2021)
TV
Television has become a vibrant platform for Black representation. The longer format of a television show can provide viewers with more intimate and meaningful insights into the lives, experiences with racism, and other struggles Black individuals face through these stories.
Here are our suggestions of what to binge next:
BEING MARY JANE – Sky, Netflix
ABBOTTS ELEMENTARY – Disney+
REASONABLE DOUBT – Disney+
Music
Music has always been a space for expression, resistance, and celebration with the Black community. Today’s top Black artists continue to use music as an art form to advocate for change, while producing anthems which define a new generation.
Scroll to see our top music picks by current and upcoming black artists:
SILK SONIC, BRUNO MARS AND ANDERSON PAAK
Books
The rise of BookTok has reignited a love for reading for many, but Black authors are often sidelined on the platforms. Literature have always been instrumental for writers to dive into the struggles and oppression that their communities face. Black authors have always made waves across genres: from fantasy to feminism to thrillers.
Here are some of our must reads:
LEGENDBORN series by Tracy Deonn
PARABLE OF THE SOWER - by Octavia Butler
HOOD FEMINISM - by Mikki Kendall
SEVEN DAYS IN JUNE – by Tia Williams
MY SISTER THE SERIAL KILLER by Oyinkan Braithwaite
The evolution of Black visibility in pop culture mirrors a profound societal shift towards greater inclusion and recognition.
These diverse representations are fundamental in the fight against discrimination and in promoting equality for all. .
We hope you enjoy exploring our recommendations this Black History Month!