It was 1999 and Keenen Ivory Wayans pitched a comedy show to Fox network, where Wayans had big plans in mind. However, the network couldn’t see the vision just yet.
Wayans wasn’t trying to hurt feelings, he just wanted to push boundaries and Black culture further. And he would do just that with In Living Color.
In Living Color gave more Black comedians in the industry opportunities, when for so long they were boxed into lesser non-creative roles. The show even caused the Super Bowl to change its halftime performances.
In 1992, Wayans came up with the idea to broadcast a live episode of In Living Color during halftime of Super Bowl XXVI, because at the time, the sports show’s halftime performances were lackluster. That specific episode attracted 11 percent of the 79.5 million Super Bowl viewers that year.
Wayan’s determination to do something different and allow Black creatives to flourish can be used as inspiration for future Black generations. The show reminds us to always aim to be the revolution.