Black inclusion in film needs development beyond recycled plots

The recent rise of Black people in film and television is being celebrated throughout the awards as of late. Sterling K. Brown, winner of the ‘Outstanding Lead Actor’ Emmy at the 75th Emmy Awards for his performance in tv series, This Is Us, this past January. He is the first Black man to win in the 75 years of the Emmys. In 2017, Tracee Ellis Ross became the first Black woman to win ‘Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy’ for her performance in tv series, Black-ish. A wide gap of 35 years since a woman of color has won in this category. The list continues.
The day after award shows, headlines always read: “So and so becomes the first person of color to win this prestigious award.” Even though many of the award shows have occurred every year for decades upon decades. Still, the issue of inclusion amongst black actors and actresses, directors and writers is severely lacking. There are several issues when it comes to inclusion in the entertainment industry. There is recreating classic movies that half of America’s population may not support. They are not getting enough promotion and support from industries and companies who sponsor the films. They are not getting the credit they deserve, simply because they are either produced, written or starred in by a black person.      Gabrielle Union is starring in a new movie called ‘Breaking In.” The trailer seems thrilling enough. But it seems like the same movie over and over starring different black actresses as the lead. With movies like ‘The Perfect Guy,’ ‘No Good Deed,’ ‘When the Bough Breaks’ and ‘Addiction” that have the same crazy plot where at least one person is insane and the other is trying to escape, it has become boring, repetitive and a real punch to the face. It’s a real punch to the gut to black people everywhere to think the film industry only sees us fit for roles like this. If it isn’t a slave movie or racist television show it’s acting crazy in an under produced and underwhelming movie.
It is time for a change. It is time to recognize writers and producer like Aisha Muharrar for her scripts in ‘Parks and Rec,’ Mara Brock Akil for ‘Being Mary Jane,’ Prentice Penny for his behind-the-scenes writing for comedy series, ‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine.’ He has written for shows like Scrubs and Girlfriends. Issa Rae may only be two seasons into her hit show ‘Insecure’ and has a long career ahead of her, but her excellence in being involved in her show in multiple ways is astounding. Shows like Insecure, Atlanta, Luke Cage, Chewing Gum, Power, and Empire (in its first two seasons anyway,) are doing so well right now because they bring something different to the table. It shows a side of black excellence that the world previously ignored. (I haven’t even touched on movies like Get Out, Girls Trip, Moonlight and Detroit). Hollywood needs to realize the market they have behind producing well-written, edge-of-our-seat films and television shows. Recognize the talent, hire more people of color writers. I am not saying the industry should hire every black person with a dream, I am saying give them a chance. Inclusion does not count when it’s only one black guy in a movie surrounded by white co-stars.
Like a friend of mine said, “White Hollywood already drug it [certain plots] out let’s come up with something else.”