Key Moments in the History of Black Film and Television You Should Know About

The world of film and television has long served as a mirror reflecting the diversity and complexity of human experiences. While the industry has made significant strides in representing Black history and culture, there is still much work to be done. From its earliest days to the present, Black history’s role in film and television can be highlighted through ground-breaking moments, iconic figures, and the ongoing pursuit of authentic representation.

Early Pioneer: Oscar Micheaux & Within Our Gates (1920)

In the early days of cinema, Black voices were often marginalised or misrepresented. Oscar Micheaux, an African American filmmaker, emerged as an early pioneer and trailblazer, producing Within Our Gates in 1920 – a greatly significant piece of media. This silent film provided a powerful response and counter-narrative to D.W. Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation and challenged harmful racial stereotypes. In doing so, Micheaux’s work laid the foundation for future Black filmmakers and the battle for authentic representation. 

The Birth of a Nation was a highly controversial film that glorified the Ku Klux Klan and depicted African Americans in derogatory and dehumanising ways. To address the stereotypes that Griffith’s film perpetuated, Micheaux’s Within Our Gates presented a more accurate and compassionate portrayal of African Americans. 

The importance of this film cannot be overstated. It was one of the earliest films to address pressing social issues within the Black community. Within Our Gates tackled themes such as racial violence, lynching, and education. Even more enlightening, it told the story of a young black woman, Sylvia Landry, whose journey exposed the harsh realities of racism and the deep-seated prejudice that existed at the time. 

Due to racial biases across the film industry, Micheaux faced significant challenges when it came to funding and distributing his films. Most of his own resources and the support of Black communities went into getting his films through production. Nevertheless, in the decades that followed, his contributions to African American cinema were increasingly recognised and celebrated. 

It’s no wonder then that his story and legacy continue to inspire filmmakers and scholars interested in the history of cinema and Black representation in the media.

Sidney Poitier and the New Frontier of Hollywood

The 1960s brought about a seismic shift in the portrayal of Black characters on the big screen. At a time when racial segregation and discrimination were still prevalent in the United States, Bahamian American actor and film director Sidney Poitier took on a series of critically acclaimed roles that defied racial stereotypes and marked a turning point in Hollywood’s approach to Black actors.

Poitier’s performance in Lilies of the Field (1963) earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor, making him the first black man to win an Oscar in a leading role. In Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), the story dealt with interracial relationships, a controversial subject of the time, and Poitier’s role in it further challenged societal norms. By portraying dignified, educated, and accomplished black characters, more positive perceptions of black individuals in society were shaped – countering the negative stereotypes that had been perpetuated in earlier portrayals of African Americans in film.

Outside of cinema, Poitier was an advocate for civil rights and social change, using his influence and platform to support the civil rights movement and speak out against racial discrimination and inequality. Branching out even further than the USA, his work and international appeal helped improve relations worldwide and added to the wider conversation around race and representation in and outside of film.

Film and Television: Blaxploitation

The Blaxploitation Era, which emerged in the 1970s with iconic films like Shaft, altered the landscape of black film and television. Representing a unique period in the history of cinema, this genre of filmmaking zoomed in on strong African-American characters in leading roles and themes relating to race, urban life, and social justice. In a time of empowerment and rebellion, characters like Shaft, portrayed by Richard Roundtree, and Foxy Brown, played by Pam Grier, became iconic symbols of self-reliance and resilience. 

While Blaxploitation films were praised for their emphasis on black representation and their socially relevant themes, they were not without controversy. Some critics argued that the genre sometimes perpetuated negative stereotypes and violence, leading to the term “Blaxploitation” being used as both a label of celebration and critique.

In any case, the Blaxploitation Era signalled a new wave of black filmmakers and actors, reaching contemporaries like Spike Lee, John Singleton, and Ava DuVernay, whose output reflects the legacy of Blaxploitation and its commitment to authentic storytelling. Recently, the 2023 Netflix sci-fi thriller release They Cloned Tyrone paid homage to the Blaxploitation era with its slick and stylish elements.

By providing a platform for black voices and narratives, the era’s impact on the industry and popular culture cannot be denied, and it helped shape a more inclusive and diverse landscape for black representation in film and television.

’80s and ’90s Cult Filmmaking

Speaking of Spike Lee and John Singleton, they both emerged as leading voices in the 1980s and 1990s, directing films that tackled complex, often controversial social issues and ultimately celebrated Black culture. Lee’s Do the Right Thing (1989), for example, delved into racial tensions and confrontations within a diverse Brooklyn neighbourhood – sparking discussions about race, police brutality, and urban tensions to critical acclaim. 

Singleton’s diverse filmography (including 1991’s Boyz n the Hood, 1993’s Poetic Justice, and 1995’s Higher Learning) often provided unfiltered and authentic portrayals of African American life, holding a mirror up to the challenges and struggles faced by young black men and families living in areas affected by poverty, violence, and systemic racism. This exploration of the various aspects and realities of the African American experience earned Singleton both critical acclaim and commercial success, emphasising Black talent and excellence in the industry. 

Lee’s success as an independent filmmaker inspired other aspiring directors and filmmakers to explore alternative paths to getting their work produced. He often used his clout to advocate for the importance of black voices in cinema and highlight the struggle for accurate representation. Both Lee and Singleton expanded the range of stories that could be told. 

A New Wave of Representation: Black Panther and Beyond

Directed by Ryan Coogler, 2018’s Black Panther was in a league of its own when it came to the power of representation. It was one of the first major superhero films with a predominantly black cast and a black director – widely celebrated for portraying African and African American characters as complex, multidimensional individuals with rich cultural backdrop. 

The film touched on themes of social and political relevance, including the legacy of colonisation, the responsibility of those in power, and the potential for positive change. It became a symbol of empowerment and resistance, particularly for black audiences.

Black Panther was a critical success and a major box office hit. By shattering records around the world, it demonstrated that films with diverse casts could be commercially successful on a global scale. 

Shondaland & Colour-blind Casting

Shonda Rhimes is a highly influential American television producer, writer, and showrunner known for the creation of Shondaland and its use of colour-blind casting, which has had a significant impact on black television and the broader entertainment industry.

Rhimes’ commitment to diverse storytelling and casting underpins several successful and critically acclaimed televisions including Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder, and Bridgerton. These shows feature a wide range of characters from different racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, aligning with the idea of colour-blind casting in the media. Here, performers are chosen based solely on their talent and suitability for a role, challenging the industry norm of typecasting based on race. 

The significance? Colour-blind casting creates opportunities for actors to portray a broader range of characters and take on roles that may not have traditionally been accessible to them, promoting greater inclusivity in the film and television industry. Rhimes’ involvement has had a profound impact on black television by increasing the representation of black characters in leading roles. Her success has influenced the industry to be more open to diverse casting choices and to ultimately pursue a wider range of narratives and perspectives. 

The Avante-Garde with Ava DuVernay and Jordan Peele

In more recent years, Ava DuVernay and Jordan Peele have become instrumental in pushing the boundaries of storytelling through their creation of thought-provoking and impactful media. DuVernay’s Selma and 13 shed light on civil rights and mass incarceration, while Peele’s Get Out and Us blended social commentary with thrilling narratives, redefining the horror genre. 

DuVernay actively advocates for underrepresented voices in the film industry: she founded ARRAY, a grassroots film distribution and resource collective dedicated to amplifying the work of women and people of colour in cinema. 

The history of Black representation in film and television is a journey marked by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to challenging the status quo. From the early days of cinema to the present, Black actors, directors, and filmmakers have worked tirelessly to redefine the narrative and celebrate the richness of Black culture and history.

While significant progress has been made, the fight for authentic representation is far from over. The industry must continue to break down barriers, support diverse voices, and ensure that Black history is portrayed accurately and comprehensively in film and television.

Interested in how Alamy works with the creative industries? Here’s a recap of our 2023 Ink, Reels & AI event at the BBC.

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