“We’ve got to keep telling our stories because our experiences are so broad and rich and multifaceted there isn’t just one way to be black… The more stories we share the more reflective we can be of the whole diverse African American community.” – Oprah Winfrey
We’re only in the first quarter of 2018 and black excellence in entertainment is coming full force and I’m here for it! African-American creative minds have really been dominating the media and entertainment industry in such a positive and monumental way and they are just beginning to receive the recognition that has been long over due. In the first three months alone, accomplishment after accomplishment has been made in the African-American entertainment business.
It’s no surprise to anyone that the history of Black Americans in media have been full of hurdles. Despite the fact that it’s 2018 and there are still a number of “firsts” being made by people of color, various writers, directors, playwrights, producers and actors have made a huge impact in breaking those barriers down.
The art of the African American culture has time and time again tremendously influenced and leave a memorable mark on entertainment media. This week, Marvel’s highly anticipated Black Panther, written and directed by none other than filmmaker Ryan Coogler, has surpassed one billion dollars in the global box office only 26 days after its release (if you haven’t seen it yet honestly wyd?).
Out of the 18 Marvel movies created, only three others were able make this record-breaking accomplishment. To top it off, for the first time in history, African American filmmakers, Coogler and Ava Duvernay, director of A Wrinkle in Time, (who also directed and executive produced Selma and Netflix documentary 13th, amongst many others, notable works), now hold the top two spots in the box office.
Last weekend, actor, writer and director, Jordan Peele, made history by becoming the first African American filmmaker to take home an Academy Award for Best Original on Screen Play for his directorial debut movie, Get Out.
Peele described winning his award as “a dream.” In his acceptance speech, Peele credits his success to “all the people who raised [his] voice and let [him] make this movie.” Get Out received much praise by putting a comedic and unique spin on the very serious topic of racism that Black people face.
Issa Rae recently announced she will be hosting the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CDFA) Awards in June, making her the first African American female to host the awards in a little over a decade. CEO, Steven Kolb, released a statement saying, “Issa Rae is leading a new generation of performers who use their voice and humor to discuss social topics in a way that is relatable and poignant”.
From making comedy web series on YouTube, the 33-year-old now critically acclaimed writer, director and actor has won two Golden Globe nominations for her HBO show Insecure.
The entertainment industry is one of, if not the most influential forms of art there is, and for the first time, Blacks are being portrayed in a new light, a light that rejects the negative stereotypes that has been placed on us for years and shows the beauty of our culture and community.
This is honestly a breath of fresh air and I couldn’t be happier. This cultural transformation cannot be downplayed, it truly is a new era for people of color. This strong start leaves me so hopeful for what these amazing storytellers and artists have in store for the rest of the year and even the years to come.
#BlackExcellence #BlackBoyJoy #BlackGirlMagic #RepresentationMatters #UnaplogeticallyBlack