Is no secret that many of the superheroes we see on our TV and movie screens were created

by white writers? On top of that, the racist backstories and depictions of our favorites

have stayed at the mercy of Hollywood until now.

This is two-minute black history, what you didn't learn in school.

Back in a day, black superheroes were either enslaved by white heroes, or pimps, or had

stereotypical backstories. And though many of our people tried to take control of our

narratives, a racist industry made sure our voices were muted.

But the struggle is far from over. Most superhero movies still feature white heroes with black

panther as an exception, but black writers have entered the scene in numbers and their

influences shaking up the industry. Old racist tropes are being reimagined. However, this

movement isn't just about existing characters getting makeovers, it's much deeper than that.

In contemporary comics, creators are facing injustices head on. Imagine a teenage boy

gaining his superpowers after being shot by a racist cop. The story of black tackles

police brutality and uplifts black strength. It still gets better. Black women's voices are being

amplified as well. Hotcom is an animated short story collection that not only chronicles

the sometimes nuanced relationship black women have with hair. But that also makes much

needed social commentary on black issues. Black writers have quietly been creating a

movement for positive black content. They're destroying negative racist images of our people.

When we control the narratives about our people, even in fictional settings, we reap the benefits

in reality. In order to move towards the future, you've got to look to the past. This has been

Two Minute Black History, a podcast by Push Black. If you enjoyed this episode and want to show

your support, please rate and subscribe to our podcast. Together, let's celebrate and honor

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