The Power of Representation: Issa Rae, Oprah Winfrey and More Celebrate Black Talent on Screen
Issa Rae, Oprah Winfrey, and other trailblazers reflect on legacy, representation, and the future of Black storytelling in HBO’s Seen & Heard documentary. We discuss it here!
Issa Rae for Sienna Naturals via Issa Rae Instagram
By: Joshua Martin
“If you’re telling Black stories, then you need to have Black people create their own. It’s about that. It’s about legacy.”
Seen & Heard, a two part HBO original documentary set to premier this fall, explores the evolution of Black visibility and storytelling on television.
Black storytelling on television takes center stage this September, with the premiere of Seen & Heard, a two part HBO documentary executive produced by Issa Rae. The film explores the evolution of Black visibility on TV, highlighting the triumphs and challenges faced by Black creatives throughout history.
The newly released trailer features powerful reflections from industry icons such as Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Shonda Rhimes, Lena Waithe, Tracee Ellis Ross and Debbie Allen. Their words capture both the progress and the ongoing fight for authentic representation.
Seen & Heard: The History of Black Television | Official Trailer | HBO Max
For Rae, the project builds on her own legacy, including the groundbreaking HBO series Insecure.
Oprah Winfrey recalls the absence of representation during her upbringing. Her statement underscores the significance of Black creatives shaping narratives that once excluded them.
“I grew up when there was nobody like me on TV. “It was like, ‘Okay, networks, you don’t have a place for me? I’m making my own place.”
The documentary also revisits the cultural resonance of shows like Moesha and Abbott Elementary, while spotlighting a new generation of visionaries such as Ava DuVernay, Cord Jefferson and Swizz Beatz. With moments of humor, joy and determination, “Seen & Heard” positions itself as both a historical tribute and a rallying cry for the future of television.
“Let’s go, let’s do this. I’m ready. I’m about to kill this s—.”
Seen & Heard is set to premiere in September on HBO.
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'Why Did I Get Married' Turns 16
On this day sixteen years ago, the cinematic classic Why Did I Get Married hit theaters, taking us on an unforgettable journey into the complexities of modern-day relationships. We discuss it here!
On this day sixteen years ago, October 12, 2007 the cinematic classic Why Did I Get Married hit theaters, taking us on an unforgettable journey into the complexities of modern-day relationships. Written, produced, directed, and starring the multifaceted Tyler Perry, this film unravels the lives of four enduring Black couples who have been the closest of friends since their college days. They gather in the serene mountains for a retreat, hoping to mend their marital woes and rediscover the reasons that led them to say "I do."
The movie's portrayal of the challenges these couples face struck a chord with a wide audience, resonating so deeply that it claimed the number one spot at the box office that weekend. As we revisit this cinematic gem today, let's get into the details that made Why Did I Get Married an unforgettable experience.
Tasha Smith, Janet Jackson, and Sharon Leal Star in Why Did I Get Married
The film’s eclectic cast leaves a lasting impression. Notably, Jill Scott delivers a powerful performance as a softer woman dealing with her unfaithful husband, while Tasha Smith injects humor and life into the narrative. The chemistry among the cast members is undeniable, adding authenticity to the story despite the occasional feeling of a staged performance. But can it really feel staged with Janet Jackson, Richard T. Jones, Sharon Leal, Michael White, and Malik Yoba doing their best work?
The impact of Why Did I Get Married was so profound that it warranted a sequel, Why Did I Get Married Too, in 2010. This follow-up further explored the lives of these beloved characters, giving us even more reason to reminisce about the connections we formed with them.
Tyler Perry's work rarely meets the approval of critics, but it undeniably resonates with its target urban audience. With most of his films consistently hitting the $50 million mark, Perry's status as a filmmaker speaks for itself. He continues to stand on solid ground in the industry, promising more heartwarming stories to come. In fact, rumors are swirling about a third installment in the Why Did I Get Married series. Rest assured, we'll all be eagerly watching, as Perry's work has become a part of our go-to for comfort flicks.
As we look back on the release of Why Did I Get Married on this memorable day, let's not only remember the film but also the conversations it sparked, the emotions it evoked, and the bonds it helped create among friends and families. Whether you're planning a movie night to relive this classic or discussing it with friends, let the legacy of this film continue to inspire, entertain, and remind us of the enduring power of love and friendship in the face of life's challenges.
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Tyler Perry is Looking to Take Ownership of BET Through Purchase of Majority Stake
Media mogul, Tyler Perry, is seeking to acquire BET through a purchase of Paramount Global’s majority stake, which would give him ownership. We discuss it here!
LOS ANGELES, CA. January 06, 2019: Tyler Perry at the 2019 Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency via Shutterstock
By: Omar Cook
Tyler Perry has been a staple on BET for years, with hit shows like House of Payne and The Oval, so it’s no surprise that news broke this week of Perry being in conversations to potentially purchase Paramount Global’s majority stake in BET, giving him ownership of the network.
Tyler Perry is currently signed to a deal with Paramount which is expected to end soon, and this new deal with BET would give Perry full control over a network that includes BET, BET+, and VH1. In 2000, Paramount, which was formerly Viacom, acquired BET for $2.3 billion.
Variety confirmed that mogul Byron Allen is also looking to pursue purchasing the network. Allen and his company, Allen Media Group, have been very active in the last 3 years investing over $1 billion to acquire 27 ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox affiliates.
Perry and BET have been in partnership for almost 2 decades as BET assisted Perry with funding his debut feature film, Diary of a Mad Black Woman. Perry also has multiple other shows on BET including Sisters, Ruthless, Assisted Living, and Zatima.
BET was founded on January 25, 1980 by media entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson, with the vision to reach African American audiences through cable TV, and that vision has been successful.
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Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com