Let's Just Call It 'Black Lent'.
Re-align entertainment choices with an Afro-centric compass.
by Will Lemon | 29 March 2025
The journey of being a fully authentic Black man is ongoing. For the past few years I have been fasting during the month of February - otherwise known as Black History Month. I hit the reset button and realign my entertainment choices more toward Black film and tv. This year I added music to the list. I listened to(almost exclusively) soundtracks and theme songs from Afrocentric films and tv shows as well as music by Black artist. Although there are a plethora of conventional songs, the former is limited.
Unless you live in a community where Black culture is prolific, one might find themselves overcompensating to avoid assimilating to the prevailing culture. For some, it may be acceptable to merely become a product of your environment but that’s not authentic or honest. Before you know it, somewhere along the way something will happen that will remind you of who you truly are and how the world sees you.
In preceding years, I would scour the local tv stations to see if any of them acknowledged BHM. This year I decided not to. It just seemed futile to be concerned with what any of them were doing. I was pleasantly surprised when I came across some programming that showcased local Black businesses. Now, I’m not naïve enough to think that this was anything more than an attempt to boost ratings or a desire to appear inclusive. After all, this is the ONLY time this type of programming is seen. However, the gesture is appreciated.
Moving forward, there are some shows and music I’ll probably indulge in a little less frequently. It’s not about changing behavior. Self-analysis has led me to a distaste for these things as I strive for a modicum of cultural congruency. Just between you, me and the lamp post, I was already having misgivings anyway so it really wasn’t that difficult.
Every show/movie selection doesn’t have to be Black-heavy. That would be nigh impossible and myopic. This is probably where the 80/20 rule applies. In other words, at least 80% is Black-led or Black-created and sprinkle in non-Afrocentric projects on a limited basis. Fortunately, there are Black networks like ASPIRE, BOUNCE and CLEO that offer Afro-centric programming. Is it always as good as the mainstream? Probably not and they typically just air re-runs of old shows. But brothers like Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele continue to broaden the entertainment landscape.
At the end of the day, it takes effort just like anything else, if you re willing. That's the key. Too many just don't care and chase after euro-centricity. The suburban-American obsession with the accumilation of wealth and possessions believing it will make you 'better'. Then, there are So many of us who are distracted with struggle and ignore about issues that affect all of us.
Either way, Black art matters. Our tv choices may not be as impactful but we can support Black projects with our dollars at the box office, with subscriptions and at the book store. The more we support them, the more we'll see - at least in theory. This February I think I'll subscribe to ASPIRE for the month.
The fight against homogeneity continues.