The Power of Representation: Issa Rae, Oprah Winfrey and More Celebrate Black Talent on Screen
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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Email: Joshua@247LCTV.com