Reality television has been one of the most controversial mediums of television since its inception, especially in the black community. Name a reality show not centered on a black character, and there’s usually something negative said about them. Name reality shows centered on a black character, and there’s something negative about them too. But negative […]
A woman who believes “luck is preparation meeting opportunity,” Oprah Gail Winfrey has continuously shattered gender and racial barriers in America. Winfrey is the most successful talk show host in American TV history — male or female, Black or white — and the first female African-American billionaire. As one of the most influential women in […]
On the extended version of his 1988 single “I Wish U Heaven,” Prince sang “Take this beat / I don’t mind / Got plenty others / and they’re so fine!” Apparently a few hip-hop producers got the message and began mining Prince’s catalog for samples! Here are a few of our favorites! Kanye West “Big […]
While music videos in the 80s and 90s were characterized by elaborate choreography and first-generation special effects, things really got kicked up a notch visually in the first decade of the new millennium. However, the music videos that made the most impact weren’t always the most expensive or technically ornate. As Jay-Z once stated, “You […]
For anyone who has ever attended an HBCU (Historically Black College and/or University), they will tell you how true to life the title A Different World is. The show itself was a spot-on depiction of life on a college campus where the majority, if not all, the students are of color. Beginning as a spin-off […]
Yesterday we closed our second round of The Greatest Black Sitcom of All-Time Competition narrowing down our picks from 32 to our Sweet Sixteen. No upsets to report here, but check out the scores from last week’s match-ups. The voting is now open to determine the Elite Eight. Vote now! The Cosby Show: 147 Gimme […]
You got questions? These nine television hosts probably had them too, for a wide array of celebrities, politicians, athletes, and everyday people with amazing stories. Check out our list of the nine best black television talk show hosts. 1. Oprah Winfrey Initially The Oprah Winfrey Show was just another talk show when it debuted in […]
Mary McLeod Bethune, the daughter of slaves, became an early 20th Century educator and civil rights leader, founding both Bethune-Cookman College and the National Council of Negro Women. But Bethune became even more influential as a friend and confidant of Eleanor Roosevelt, and as an advisor to President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on Negro affairs. Bethune […]
Don’t get me wrong. I have nothing against The Cosby Show. It’s not only one of the best black sitcoms to ever be produced, but one of the best sitcoms, period. But when it comes to ranking black sitcoms, The Cosby Show is the “Thriller” of the medium. It will almost always land at the […]
A master of storytelling, Toni Morrison was the first Black woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. The Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and legendary professor is known for the vivid black characters brought to life in her novels that recreate the Black experience. Morrison’s novels often illuminate themes of slavery, racism, and identity, but […]
Professing to be “unbossed and unbought,” Shirley Chisholm was the first black female major-party candidate for President of the United States, and the first black woman to be elected to Congress. Chisholm wasn’t intent on winning the presidency, but was steadfast on challenging conventions and showing Black America that they could aim high. She set […]
In the 1980s, musicians only scratched the surface of what could be done with the music video. Michael Jackson set the standard and in the 1990s, everyone raced to match or surpass him.
