Black filmmakers have never simply told stories. They have reclaimed history, challenged false narratives, and built culture that shapes generations. From Malcolm X to Boyz n the Hood, these films did more than entertain. They educated, empowered, and demanded recognition. Their creators did not wait for permission. They built their own lanes, ensuring that Black stories would not just be told but told correctly.
Jason Whitlock dismisses the significance of Black quarterbacks winning Super Bowls, claiming the struggle is over because they align with the Black population percentage. This ignores decades of exclusion, position-switching, and denied opportunities. Warren Moon had to prove himself in Canada before the NFL gave him a chance. Doug Williams broke barriers by winning a Super Bowl. Eldridge Dickey, the first Black quarterback drafted in the first round, was never allowed to play his natural position. History matters until Black quarterbacks are no longer asked to change positions or have their intelligence questioned differently. The league must acknowledge the past rather than erase it. Jaylen Hurts winning a Super Bowl is progress. If celebrating Black excellence makes Whitlock uncomfortable, that is his burden to bear.
he Wayans family’s use of satire was not just about laughs, it was about reclaiming Black identity from limiting stereotypes. Keenan and Damon challenged the idea of being the "safe" Black man, while Marlon and Shawn refused to fit into any mold at all. Together, they showed that true representation is not about conforming to someone else’s expectations but about being fully authentic.
Thoughts Processed 