6 Inspiring Black Women On Television

Though Black women rarely get adequate media representation (and often when we do it is highly stereotypical and negative), I am pleased when that representation reveals something interesting, smart, engaging, complex, educational and entertaining.

Below are some of the Black women I currently watch on television to be informed or entertained—or a little of both at the same time. They inspire.

1) Melissa Harris-Perry - The Melissa Harris-Perry Show: If you’ve read some of my previous blog posts, you know that I am a big supporter and fan of her work in education, writing, politics, culture and social justice. This show is excellent.

2) Kerry Washington - Scandal:This show is my favorite scripted drama and I look forward to the second season. (I blogged about how much I like this show as one of my first posts for Gradient Lair.)

3) Sheryl Underwood - The Talk: Sheryl is both hilarious and serious when need be. Her and Aisha makes The Talk absolutely hilarious and a fun watch.

4) Aisha Tyler - The Talk: Aisha is a smart and “not easy to fit into any box” type of woman. She is also hilarious. I love the difference between her and Sheryl’s style of humor as both are professional comedians. I enjoy them both on The Talk.

5) Robin Roberts - Good Morning America: I love Robin Roberts. (I am worried about her current health as everyone I know is). She brings joy and depth to GMA.

6) Tamron Hall - News Nation with Tamron Hall: Tamron is a great voice in the midday news cycle and she brings her no nonsense personality and wit to the show.

Related Posts: Commericals that I like that feature Black women

Read This Week

This is my third post in my Read This Week feature! My suggestions this week include:

Black Women Haven’t Supported Their Men? - This was written by the awesome @anti_intellect (who I have mentioned several times on this blog) and is short, but to the point. He is responding to yet ANOTHER hostile drawing that paints Black women as monsters. Earlier today, I posted my sister’s response to another one of these drawings.

Dear Gamers - This is an excellent response by the brilliant Black beauty, comedienne, and co-host of The Talk, Aisha Tyler. People like to think of male gamers as creative and open-minded “Liberals” but some of them are racist, sexist and misogynist as well. (And, look at the gaming and comic industry itself.) Aisha was not having it. I like that she spoke up.

“But What About Black on Black Crime and Black Sins?” - This short but sweet post by @sonofbaldwin perfectly breaks down the obsession with the label “Black on Black” crime. I also mentioned this briefly in a previous post dispelling some of the myths attached to Black people and crime.

And, last but not least, a poem called For Women Who Are Difficult To Love is a must read. It is exquisite.

Stay tuned for next week’s suggestions!