This year, Black Ballad will be looking at the themes of careers, beauty and joy. The decision to look at joy has made me think about what really brings me joy in life. Of course there are the obvious things, my children, my husband, my family and friends. Then there are Sunday mornings at church and my new found love - pilates. Yet, what also brings me pleasure is TV - especially when black people are the leads.
I always looked forward to Monday nights to watch Insecure. I find joy through my weekly dose of Abbott Elementary and lived for the mess of Scandal, season one of Empire and Power. Growing up, TV was our gateway to blackness, even if it was an African American version. I was raised on One on One, Moesha, Everybody Hates Chris and My Wife & Kids (which has aged badly insert weary emoji here.