Most of what Hollywood creates and peddles as black love and revolution simply doesn’t cut it.
Over the years, we have seen several attempts to entertain and pimp us by recycling black images that don’t uplift or change us in any effective way.
However, we now have a new voice and representation that makes me proud to be black, creative and gifted.
The CW’S Black Lightning comes into my home and the homes of millions of Americans every week.
If this were just another show with a superhero punching people in the face and kicking ass, it could be easily dismissed.
In the latest episode, we see the Lady Eve (played by the sensual and talented Jill Scott) dictate what the city will become once she rules or what will happen if she does not. If this were the only thing that gave us life, it would have been enough to come back for the entire series.
At the core of this series is a black family trying to straddle the worlds of co-parenting, corrupt police forces and “gifts” that could save the community and rip apart this family.
Although he has super power that could allow him to rule the world, Black Lightning opts to serve the community and grapple with a loving and layered relationship with an ex- wife.
Despite no longer being a couple, they continue to lovingly raise their daughters while navigating their relationship and how it affects the community.
While adding gays and lesbians to a series is now the “new thing”, we have yet to see a member of the black LGBTQ community who is grounded in her sexuality and family of origin.
The lesbian character is not a hoe who needs corralling nor is she a desexed “person” doling out advice and containing her truth to make others comfortable.
Thunder, as an out, powerful lesbian has a place in a community that she loves. She also provides a complex version of black female sexuality.
In a recent interview, the actress (Nafessa Williams)who plays Thunder states:
“I’m just really grateful to tell the story for young lesbians — and black lesbians in particular — who don’t really see themselves on TV,” Nafessa Williams tells EW. “My hope is that when you watch Anissa, a young lesbian is inspired to walk boldly as who she is and to love herself and to love herself exactly how she looks.”
Folks this is no ordinary show.
Do yourself a huge favor and catch it next Tuesday.