Being a child of color can come with trauma, especially when faced with cultural and systemic racism. Being able to combat that trauma and replace it with Black joy by being exposed to positive representation in movies, media, and art is essential to a Black child’s wellbeing.
“Adding to the sources of stress felt by all caregivers, many families of color experience other substantial burdens: unequal treatment in health care, education, child welfare, and justice systems; entrenched barriers to economic advancement; and frequent indignities resulting from cultural racism.” (Center on the Developing Child Harvard University)
When children see themselves in media, positive artistic impressions, it does a lot for them physically, mentally, and psychologically. “Decades of research have also documented how racism in particular—whether overt or invisible to those who are not affected directly—can negatively influence the well-being of children and families” (Harvard). However, when you circumvent that force and offer a positive counter-narrative, it helps with burden and trauma.
Movies and TV shows that have positive representation for Black children & youth
- The Princess and the Frog
- Barbie
- Alma’s Way
- Youth Love
- Moon Girl
- The Magician’s Elephant
- Circle Time with Ms. Monica
- Gracie’s Corner
