2016 has been an amazing year for black creators with the continued success of shows like Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, and Black-ish, and with the introduction of shows like Underground, Queen Sugar, Atlanta, and Insecure. Black audiences have had quite a line up to choose from. As a black creator, being able to see such a growth in black entertainment is very inspirational. Having the opportunity to see artists like Issa Rae and Ava Duvernay bring their visions to life shows that the sky is the limit for black creators with a dream.
While the number of shows for African American audiences has increased over the years, 2016 brought many black shows produced by other black creators. Not only do the shows increase black representation, but they also depict complex black characters and combat the stereotypical tropes of black characters. Issa Rae's Insecure gave a voice to the "Awkward Black Girl[s]" of the world, focusing on not only black love but black friendships as well. Misha Green's Underground provides a new perspective and doesn't give the typical slave narrative. She made them heroes instead of victims. Donald Glover's Atlanta gives a refreshing, humorous, and relatable perspective on life in Atlanta, telling the story of a struggling rapper and his cousin/manager. Ava Duvernay's Queen Sugar not only flips the script of black people in agriculture, but used complex characters like Nova, Charlie, and Ralph Angel to do so.
With the success of all of these black shows and more, they have been renewed for another season and have gained a large following from people of all races. I am thankful for people like Misha Green and Donald Glover for following their dreams and encouraging creators like me to do the same.
I can't wait to see all that 2017 brings for black television!
