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There is a lot going on in our country right now, from job losses to lives lost and racism that just never seems to go away. And unfortunately, Black mothers bear the distinct burden of teaching, warning, and protecting our children from the fact that the world has a lot more changing to do. But one positive that has come out of this post-George Floyd era is a greater awareness of the challenges that marginalized communities face, and a desire to know more, and do more — and that means not just learning about our hardships, but also about our joy.
For moms, it starts with our kids, and one of the best ways to communicate with them has always been through TV and film. Whether you’re a Black mom looking to inspire your child to unlock their unlimited potential, or a non-Black mom looking for content that challenges the stereotypical black narratives, we’ve got black astronauts, black royalty, black inventors and more on screen in family-friendly picks that are genuinely fun to watch. Read on for our compilation of the best TV shows and films that celebrate black joy.
A version of this article was originally published in June 2021.
‘Cheaper By Dozen’
Cheaper by the Dozen is a Disney + remake of the 1950 and 2003 films by the same name. The family-comedy stars Gabrielle Union and Zack Braff as a blended, and biracial, family hilariously navigating life with 12 children. Yep, the parents are outnumbered by the adorable kids, so their house is often a chaotic mess, but their lives are rich in love.
‘King Richard’
King Richard is the true-life origin story of Serena and Venus Williams, whose dad Richard’s unwavering belief in his daughters’ athletic talents brought them to the top of the tennis world. The family faces racism in the elitist sport, but battles back with their inspirational rise to success.
‘Cinderella’
Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella starring Brandy gives us a princess-in-waiting just as ethereal, kind-hearted, and glamorous as the animated Disney version — and her phenomenal voice doesn’t hurt. Featuring a Filipino-American Prince Christopher (Paolo Montalban) with a white father (Victor Garber) and an African-American mother (Whoopi Goldberg), the film is a welcome contrast to Disney’s parade of all-white princesses and love interests for so many decades.
‘Raising Dion’
The challenges of being a single black mother were suddenly thrust upon the mom in this show, and to top it off, she discovers that her son Dion has superhero capabilities that he doesn’t know how to control. It’s fun to watch Dion come into his own while warding off the evil that has now crossed his path. Season 2 has not yet released, but for now, you can binge-watch season 1!
Watch on Netflix.
‘Raven’s Home’
Raven Symone plays Raven, a mother of two who refuses to let her divorce define her. Comedy ensues as she gets a little help from her superpowers to get things done. We all know a mom with some awesome superpowers, don’t we?
Watch on DisneyNow.
‘The Princess and the Frog’
Anika Noni Rose was stupendous in her Dreamgirls follow up as the voice behind Disney’s very first princess EVER. The story is about a waitress with big dreams that was turned into a frog. But the real story that this wonderful film relays is that all black girls are a princess in their own right, and every dream they have can be achieved by first believing.
‘Soul’
Jamie Foxx headlines this all-star cast about a musician who isn’t quite living the life that he wants. The film does an excellent job using art to explore the answers to some of life’s biggest and most complicated questions. In a society that entices children to fit in, rather than embrace what makes them different, this film will make all the difference.
‘Family Reunion’
Dealing with extended family when you have no other options can be a downer, but Family Reunion is lifting us up with comical interpretations of all the shenanigans we can relate to. Tia Mowry, the other half of Sister, Sister fame, is back and this show is an awesome reminder of why we’ve loved her for so long.
Watch on Netflix.
‘Hair Love’
Winner of the Best Animated Short Film Oscar at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards, this film about the kinks and curls that crown the head of a black woman will make you shed a few tears and take you on a ride of black hair pride.
Watch on YouTube.
‘Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey’
The gloriously captivating visuals of this holiday movie alone make it a must-see any time of the year. But it is the way the story introduces us to Jeronicus Jangle, a down-on-his-luck inventor and toy maker, that keeps us locked in all the way to its fantastical end. This could easily become your kid’s go-to favorite!
Watch on Netflix.
‘Dance Dreams: Hot Chocolate Nutcracker’
Everything that Shondra Rhimes touches turns to gold and THIS right here is no different! And when you add the legendary dancer, director and choreographer Debbie Allen to the mix, superb black excellence is guaranteed! This film goes behind-the-scenes of the visionary’s take on the classic ballet The Nutcracker and dives into the rich history behind her dance academy that has been serving the Black community in the heart of Los Angeles for years.
Watch on Netflix.
‘Fearless’
“What if an ordinary teenage gamer had to babysit three uncontrollable superpowered babies?” That is the premise behind the movie Fearless. With lessons about spending more time offline, in the real world, watch this movie with your kids!
Watch on Netflix.
‘The Astronauts’
Although this Nickelodeon favorite is slated as “children’s programming” it certainly has the potential to reach a broader audience. Described as “if Apollo 13 happened with children,” the storyline brings together five kids who, without permission, sneak into a rocket and have a blast…in outer space! The diverse cast includes two African-Americans, and an Asian lead. What’s not to love?!
‘Super Sema’
Leave it to Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o to burst through the proverbial glass ceiling AGAIN, as Executive Producer and the voice of Africa’s very first kid superhero animated series. With themes to regularly include teachings on math, technology, science and engineering, Super Sema is teaching young girls that they are more than just a pretty face.
Watch on YouTube.
‘Motown Magic’
Ben, an 8-year-old boy with a big heart, breathes new life into his hometown of Detroit with the swirl of a magic paintbrush and trips down memory lane — thanks to the melodic remakes of Motown’s greatest hits.
Watch on Netflix.
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