Just a few decades ago, it was shocking to see our people on television, especially if they weren’t playing maids, villains or buffoons. It took way too long for our people were featured in a positive way on the small screen, and these shows definitely kept that same energy.
When The Jeffersons moved on up to their deluxe apartment in the sky, not only did they showcase entrepreneurship, Black love, and comedy, but they also tackled issues of racism and discrimination. It’s no wonder it was one of the most popular TV shows of all time.
When audiences lost interest in sitcoms in the 1980s, two shows, “The Cosby Show” and “A Different World,” brought us right back. These shows featured well-educated Black characters and put HBCUs in the spotlight.
The 1990s brought many firsts as well. Not only was The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air one of the few shows with a completely Black cast, but it was also one of the first to show a different perspective on how our people experienced discrimination.
Though we still have work to do, we can thank these groundbreaking shows for our progress. They brought our culture to TV screens in a way that truly helped create a different world. We must never forget our greatness!