Black History Month: The Black Family


The Black Family is the foundation of our community. Over several decades, more than a dozen black families graced our television screens. No matter who you are, you've connected to at least one of them. Which TV family is your favorite?

Moesha (1996-2001)

Moesha was a BRAT, her friends were dumb, her dad was annoying; the list goes on and on. One thing's for sure though - no matter what ups and downs they faced, there was always lots of love at the Mitchell house.

227 (1985-1990)

Various characters at different points in life collided on this show, but at the end of each day, they all knew family was most important. More than that, this show displayed the true village mentality that so many black adults recall today.

The Cosby Show (1984-1992)

The most famous fictional TV family, the Huxtables, were well-educated, cultured and always caught up in sticky situations. Despite scandals and controversies surrounding some of the show's stars, the Huxtable legacy lives on.

Family Matters (1989-1998)

Whatever happened to Judy, anyway? And Mother Winslow? I hate when characters disappear without notice. Anyway, the Winslow family (grudgingly) took Urkel in when his own family didn't want to be bothered. It takes a village to raise a child!

Good Times (1974-1979)

My favorite project family! (If you don't watch the show you won't get the joke) Even though James died before he could make it out of the ghetto, his family did by the show's last episode.

My Wife and Kids (2001-2005)

The Kyles are probably one of the wackiest families ever, especially with Michael at the head of the family. Also, they had not just one but TWO dumb children. It made for great TV though.

Sanford and Son (1972-1977)

Definitely one of the more unique family dynamics, Sanford and Son only had, well, Sanford and son. They fought all the time but the father-son bond they had was undeniable.

Sister Sister (1994-1999)

Another unconventional family, the Campbell/Landry household was far from normal. By the show's end, it was clear that their unique living arrangements made their lives all the better.

Smart Guy (1997-1999)

Just to keep the unique family dynamic thing going, this show about the Henderson family never lost sight of how the absence of a mother affected the children. At the same time, the presence of a devoted father brought the show back to center.

The Bernie Mac Show (2001-2006)

Another one. Bernie and his wife Wanda take on the role of parents when his sister drops her kids off on her way to rehab...you see where this is going.

The Jeffersons (1975-1985)

There are a lot of different elements going on here, but the main takeaway from this show is that you don't have to be blood to be family, and no matter what titles are taken away (ahem, Lionel and Jenny) the bonds will forever remain.

The Parent 'Hood (1995-1999)

Often forgotten, but always lit and full of love, the Peterson family provided lots of laughs and necessary life lessons.

The Proud Family (2001-2005)

This. Family. Is. Off. The. Hook. Anyway, the true meaning of this animated sitcom lies in its theme song (It's so lit, I had to provide the video for it).

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

This may be my favorite TV family, because I'm reduced to tears during each episode.

Everybody Hates Chris (2005-2009)

You see this family picture? Chances are Chris got yelled at for something right after it was taken.

black-ish (2014-)
              


The newest family on TV is the Johnsons', who are trying to navigate life in white suburbia. In each episode, they rely on each other to retain their cultural identity.




Today's Black Family

by Stephanie Evans

We come from all corners of the earth
Rising above deep waters of fear
Overcoming the highest mountains of obstacles
Rich in courage, strength and love
We are the image of those who have come before us
We are the vision of their dreams
And the pride of their hearts
We are the fathers of character, knowledge and integrity
We are the mothers of comfort, beauty, wisdom and faith
We are the children of innocence and the hope of the next generation,
Whose future is filled with choice
We are unique people manifested by the abundance of God's power
And glorified through His spirit
We are Today's Black Family

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