Black Pop: Celebrating the Power of Black Culture, Black Pop: Film

Black music has always been the heartbeat of America. However, its significance extends beyond dope beats and fun rhymes as it links to a rich history and tells a story of freedom. From the soulful era of Motown to the artistry of pop star royalty and more than 50 years of hip-hop, this episode explores how Black music shapes culture globally.

Although the impact of the Black experience on TV is undeniable, it took a beat to get there. This episode looks at that journey through the comedy gold in classics such as "Good Times" and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," the brilliance of "Living Single," "Scandal," "Insecure," "Pose" and the modern-day laughs of "Abbott Elementary." It's a joyful celebration of Black America's unapologetic presence on the small screen.

The ability of the Black athlete to impress and impact pop culture is unmatched, leaving no doubt as to why the likes of Stephen Curry, Sugar Ray Leonard, Laila Ali, and Allyson Felix have been crowned with GOAT status. From breaking barriers to setting trends and negotiating deals, this episode delves into how Black athletes not only shape culture for all of America, but how they shift it too.

From the start, Black people have helped shape American cinema. Although it wasn't always easy, cinematic giants like Will Packer, cult classics such as “Waiting to Exhale,” “Set it Off,” “Friday” and even daring films like “Get Out” have found a way to make audiences laugh and think. This episode examines how Black excellence on the big screen has become a dominant force in pop culture.