It’s February and you know what that means. No, I’m not
talking about some silly commercialized Holiday where couples chose that one
day to express their love toward one another, I’m talkin bout Black History
Month, “sucka”!
Now that Black History Month has officially arrived I
thought I'd give a shout out to a few memorable Black characters from
television, from protagonists to supporting roles.
I'm won't be referring to milestones as they have often
been done to death, just my personal picks, as it should be, since I'm the
author writing this, bitch. :p
So without further ado, here goes..
Robbing in the Hood
Omar Little
Played by: Michael K. Williams
Series: The Wire
"...a sawed-off
shotgun toting terror, a vulnerable jailbird whose life lies in the balance,
and a double crossing mastermind who outsmarts Baltimore's biggest drug dealers
time and time again."
Perhaps the most picked favorite character from this
urban crime drama. What makes Omar so appealing to the viewers is that he's not
only one who robs drug dealers but also has a code of honor. Yet he is highly
feared if not respected within the streets of Baltimore. Omar is certainly not
your average "Stick up Guy" be any means. He’s kind of like a Black
Robin Hood who steals from the criminals but fives to himself.
The game-changer for me is when receiving news of his
boyfriend Brandon's murder (that's right I said "boyfriend!"), Omar
goes on the offensive after learning that the Barksdale Empire was responsible
for his lover's murder. Needless to say, Omar exacts revenge by killing Stinkum
and further sabotaging Avon Barksdale's empire.
In one episode, an enforcer from NYC (Brother Mouzone) was
commissioned by Avon to perform a hit on Mr. White. However, after an
intense showdown, it seems that "Little O" got the upper hand and
wounded Mouzone. Just when the assassin expected to give up the ghost at the
hands of Little, Omar had spared his life knowing that Mouzone was being used
as Stringer Bell's pawn. The two rivals joined forces later on to take down the
notorious B.E.L.L.
Omar's signature trait when stalking the streets with his
shotgun was the theme "The Farmer in the Dell" and it's funny when
seeing how quickly the neighborhood kids and dealers flee while yelling
"It's Omar!"
Now that is a sign of an urban legend! He also has an
interest in Greek mythology which sets him apart from the underbelly cast of
characters from The Wire Omar was
such an iconic character that even President Barrack Obama picked him as his
favorite from the series and television in general.
Dark Sherlock
Luther
Played by: Idris Elba
Series: Luther
Luther was your typical tragic hero but it's his wit and
cunning that is more of a threat to his opponents than a fist or a gun. I
admire the fact that the protagonist profiler is not your average pistol
packing cop with an attitude that is a major archetype within American crime
dramas. He's basically like a Black Sherlock but with more depth than Benedict
Cumberbatch's character (not being biased, but after watching a few episodes of
the critically acclaimed BBC series, I was left unimpressed).
To say that Luther is a complex individual would be an
understatement. He often had moments of emotional burnout, gets his man via
unconventional methods and to top it all, allies himself with a serial killer,
Alice (played by the Ravenous Ruth Wilson). The two make for a very interesting
pair and it’s unfortunate that there was no romantic angle throughout the
three seasons. However, there is talk of a possible fourth season, if not a
major motion picture.
Magical Samurai Negro
Michonne
Played by: Danai Gurira
Series: The Walking Dead
"I understand the
way she is drawn in the graphic novels -- she's so amazing. I'm excited to
embody that and be a badass. I've always yearned to do that. I'm really
thrilled she already has so much support."
-Danai Gurira on portraying Michonne.
Originally, Michonne debuted as some enigmatic nomad who not
only wielded a sword, but two Walkers on a shackled leash; her boyfriend and
his best friend. Originally an outsider to Rick Grimes' group, 'chone has
proven herself to be an invaluable asset.
Throughout a few seasons she sliced and diced a shitload of
walkers and better yet, took on the crazed Governor Phil. As the series
progressed, Michonne has been a very supportive member of the group which she
now sees as her family and would easily risk her life for them.
This is one badass Sista that slices and dices (not sure
about the Julian Fries thing) and it's cool to see that a Black female could
survive a zombie apocalypse (most Blacks don't even make it past two seasons of
The Walking Dead, let alone the first 40 mins within a sci-fi/horror film).
Rebel with a Cause
Huey Freeman
Voiced by: Regina King
Series: The Boondocks
LMMFAO
Huey is idealistic, highly intelligent, militant,
philosophical and not to mention a exceptional martial artist! He serves as the
Yin to his belligerent brother, Riley’s Yang. And most important the polar
oppisite of Uncle Ruckas!
What I also like about him is that he isn’t afraid of speak
his mind regardless of consequence and what’s equally important, he strives to
bring some resolution to whatever crazy situations the Freemans cone across in
this Anime inspired cartoon series. Huey is the quintessential Social Justice
Warrior but without the pretentious label often associated with the term.
A Real African
American Hero
Roadblock
Voiced by: Kene Holiday
Series: G.I. Joe: A
Real American Hero
"We got a bargain. But play it straight or there's no
doubt, I'll turn your eyeballs inside out."
Sure, Stalker could fly a jetpack, perform acrobatic moves
and even speak different languages, but the Joes' "Heavy Machine
Gunner" can more than hold his own. A Chef who can throw a mean left, as
in "left hook," took down many of Cobra's forces and waxed poetic
while doing so.
One pivotal moment is from G.I. Joe: The Movie where 'block
faces off against Cobra-La's Nemesis Enforcer. Had it not been for Nemmy's
dirty dust trick, which suddenly blinds him. In my unbiased opinion, it should
have been a different outcome with Roadblock being the victor, Instead, we see
some overrated wrestling celebrity take down Golobulus' most fierce bodyguard. But
allow me to digress.
After Roadblock got
his ass handed to him, he is forced to ally himself with the most dangerous man
in the world; Cobra Commander in a mutated form via spores. With the uneasy
alliance forged between a Joe and the most ruthless terrorist organization
leader, Roadblock manages to get CC over to a safe passage and in turn, the
Cobra Commander returns the favor by helping the Joes defeat both Golobulus and
Cobra-La.
Roadblock is no doubt one of the more iconic African American
characters, not only because of the fictional Joe universe of action figures
and cartoons but also the G.I. Joe arcade game by Konami and of course the
live action film, G.I. Joe Retaliation played by Dwayne Johnson
aka "The Rock."
Casey Ryback of Under Siege quoted that "Nobody beats
me in the Kitchen!" Well Case, just call a 6'4 50 caliber carrying chef
"Nobody!"
So, whose advice would this suburban kid take under
consideration; some shady dude claiming that he has a "prize" waiting for him or a
Real African-American Hero?
Lil’ Big Man
George Jefferson
Played by Sherman Helmsley
Series: The Jeffersons
“Okay, then let's talk
about your daddy. Your daddy was so fat... that when he went to school he sat
next to everybody! And still...he still not as fat as your fat mama!”
Where the show “Good Times” had its share of buffoonery and
silly caricatures (“Kid, Dynomite”!) The Jeffersons was a seen in a more
positive light. Well, “positive” as in an established Black man standing up to Racists
like Archie Bunker! And like his
Caucasian counterpart, George is quick tempered, opinionated and bigoted to the
extent of calling his son’s Half White Half Black Girlfriend, a “Zebra”.
He was a scheming son of a bitch as well but whenever he concocted
a plan, it would usually fall to pieces and that was one of the comedic
elements that made the series so special.
I admire the fact that George started off as a Janitor
(Stereotypical profession for Black Americans back in the day.) only to run a
successful Dry- Clearing business and move into a more luxurious home.
As for character development, George eventually formed a
solid friendship with Tom Willis and needless to say, his bigoted ways finally
ceased..well, for the most part anyways.
Lightning in a
Bottle!
Jefferson
Pierce/Black Lightning
Played by Cress Williams
Series: Black Lightning
“I could have saved
her. I could have saved so many. I'm living a lie. Living in the hopes that
you, and me, and the girls could somehow live behind a white picket fence”.
Jefferson Pierce, a High School Principal has retired from
his superhero alter ego Black Lightning until nine years later is forced to
become a vigilante again when the rise of a local gang called the 100, kidnaps
his two daughters.
Black Lightning is determined to stop the increased crime
and corruption within his community of Freeland. Pierce is often seen quoting
Do you have a favorite African-American Character from
Television series? Drop them comments below!