Black Superheroes: A Recap
- Sabrina Boykin
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Come with us on this recap as we explore the legacy of Black Americans in pop culture.
This April, presenter Sabrina Boykin unpacked the legacy and contributions of Black people in American pop culture, cultivating a discussion about what it means to be a (super) hero. But what does it really mean to be a superhero?
We opened our April 1st Mindful Discussion with a quick look into the history of television and the first programs broadcast on TV in the 1920s. The first full-length program broadcast in the United States—Queen's Messenger—was aired on September 11, 1928, becoming the bellwether for the torrent of television programming in later decades.
However, we cannot discuss these technological achievements without discussing the legacy of racism that came with the dissemination of television shows in the early 1900s. Jim Crow was a character (more accurately described as a caricature) created by Thomas Rice; the main purpose of the character was to demean Black people by exaggerating their physical features and portraying them as loud, lazy, dumb, and ignorant. Blackface—the artificial darkening of non-Black people to perform and act as if they were Black for crude entertainment—was the key piece that helped construct the character of Jim Crow. While minstrel shows had been happening long before the launch of television, the TV amplified these ideals by broadcasting them to large audiences as Jim Crow became more popular.
As time passed and social norms evolved, television programs began including a more diverse array of shows and entertainment outlets for American families. By the 1950s, a large number of American households owned a TV set; this meant a wider dissemination of material to the U.S. population. With this, minstrel and racial caricature shows still unfortunately continued their popularity (the Amos 'n' Andy Show of 1951, for example).
So, when do the superheroes arrive?
Ethel Waters, a talented actress and singer, was America's first Black superstar; she was the highest-paid performer of her time, hosting a one-hour American television variety special called the Ethel Waters Show. By 1960, America witnessed the rise and stardom of Harry Belafonte, a singer and actor. As American culture swung in the direction of civil rights and racial inclusion, many witnessed the rise of Black-led film projects. The mirage of Black influence on pop culture and movies had begun.
Roots, one of the most impactful series about the legacy of descendants of slavery, was released as a TV miniseries in 1977.
All of these programs might look familiar: that's because they had such an important influence on the rise of Black pop culture. The Jeffersons, for example, was the first Black sitcom since Sanford and Son, which ranked in the top five American TV shows during its time. Proud Family, a Black animated sitcom, was largely successful when it aired. It was so popular, in fact, that it garnered a revival in 2022: Louder and Prouder on Disney+.
All of these figures and characters are superheroes; they paved the way for the inclusion and creativity of Black shows, ideas, and creations. As the influence on American culture continues to grow, the representation of Black culture will also serve as inspiration for younger generations: a sign that they, too, can create cinematic masterpieces.
Superheroes are the ones who force us to create, to innovate, and to inspire. That is the legacy of Black superheroes in American pop culture.
Always Be Mindful of your impact, Purposeful in what you do, and Positive in what you say.
Best,
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