Black Joy

[PompomDahlia]

I was reading something on Twitter recently that made me think - saying that a lot of the BHM tv and film selections focus on slavery or other trauma and someone commented wondering why we can't have more romcoms. In this awful year and with poor mental health, I could do with some more uplifting stories. Does anyone have recommendations for books/films/blogs/social media with representations of black people not focused on trauma? I know that it's important to understand all aspects of our history, but sometimes it can be too much.

I've just started watching Insecure on Sky and I've enjoyed that. I'm planning to rewatch Desmonds on Netflix. I'm also enjoying This is Us which has a black family portrayed in an interesting and 3-dimensional way

I know what you mean. There aren't many of those. Blackish is usually touted as one.

Chewing Gum is my recommendation. I found it so funny!

I absolutely love Desmond's.

Also, what I'm enjoying on instagram is are posts surround black farmers and black gardeners. Especially black girl gardening. It's a whole vibe!

"blackgirlsgardening" is the name of a page I love on Instagram

Blackish does cover some traumatic subjects.

That's true actually @RedMarauder

Oh gosh, apologies OP for the typos in my second post. I'm usually juggling a clingy kid and trying to make sense when I'm on MN, today being no exception

Netflix have some nice Black romcoms. I agree, I don't want to watch pain and suffering and it's a shame that's what is focused on during BHM.

Insecure is everything. Chewing gum is hilarious. I know people dont like it but I loved Enterprice.

I am also rewatched/ing Everybody Hates Chris, My Wife and Kids, Moesha, Girlfriends , Half and Half, Fresh Prince and Soul Food as I was really young when they were on, but watching them now is amazing.

Netflix is a good go to for films and series. I really enjoyed Blood and Water, Queen Sono and

Am lurking for more series as I decided to

Love Fresh Prince! I saw Desmond's on Netflix recently too, don't know if it's still there.

Posted too early
And Seriously Single

@lovelymarie

Insecure is everything. Chewing gum is hilarious. I know people dont like it but I loved Enterprice.

I am also rewatched/ing Everybody Hates Chris, My Wife and Kids, Moesha, Girlfriends , Half and Half, Fresh Prince and Soul Food as I was really young when they were on, but watching them now is amazing.

Netflix is a good go to for films and series. I really enjoyed Blood and Water, Queen Sono and

Am lurking for more series as I decided to

Where did you find Half and Half? I LOVE that show and have never been able to find it anywhere!

Also check out Twenties on BBC iplayer, it's kind of similar to Insecure.

Chewing Gum
Dear White People
This Is Us

Here's a list of black characters in shows which show a variety of characters / sitiations:

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.buzzfeed.com/amphtml/kellymartinez/black-tv-character-representation

Decided to watch more black series and movies.

NStarr Half and Half is on US Netflix. Moral dilemma but I just use a VPN to access the American playlist on Netflix

Famalam on iplayer is my recommendation - there’s 3 series available for your amusement.

Some fab ideas here, thanks everyone. Definitely a consensus on Desmonds and Insecure!

@JayDot500 Thanks for the insta recommendation - I don't have a garden but love watching what others do, and spending time in gardens. Made me think of Hill House Vintage on insta, who does beautiful photos of country life.

@paintmywholehousecobweb that Buzzfeed list is good.

@lovelymarie I definitely need to figure out the vpn - US Netflix is so much better than ours. I used to adore Moesha back in the day!

Ha! Used to love Desmonds & Fresh Prince. Very old though!

Oh Also theres Blackish & Pose

I love Insecure, Blackish and Black AF (which is patchy but when it's good it's v good). Also loved Black Lady Sketch Show on Sky Comedy.

Family Reunion on Netflix is a good romcom. Staring Tia Mowry. Really enjoyed that, I've watched it twice now.
You are right. I miss the many romcoms we used to have.

I recently watched Jumping the broom on Netflix, loved it.

I also like the series Greenleaf on Netflix, however I found the most recent season boring. Oprah Winfrey is a producer on the series.

Self made on Netflix is a good film.

Family Reunion sounds good - I used to love Sister Sister when I was younger.

Big fan of Greenleaf - good escapism with the nice outfits, scenery etc and some great characters! I tried explaining the plot to DH and it’s just mad

Mum and I love Greenleaf too. DH hasn't done the years in Pentacostal Sunday School so he doesn't understand what's going on

I enjoyed Lionheart but Netflix is a good source for Nollywood movies and series. You could also get apps like Iroko which have tons of Nigerian content.