From Mammy to Main Character: The Evolution of Black Womanhood on Screen

Historically, the media has played a large role in shaping the public perceptions of Black womanhood. From depictions of the mammy figure in films like “Gone with the Wind,” to more contemporary portrayals like Issa Rae in “Insecure,” what started as reinforcement of negative stereotypes has evolved into more nuanced, authentic representations of what it means to be a Black woman in American culture. The media often serves as a mirror to society – reflecting our norms and values, but for Black women, those depictions are often more complicated, rooted in racism and sexism. Media representation influences policy, workplace bias and everyday interactions, making the examination of Black women’s portrayal in the media imperative to ensure the realization of authentic Black womanhood on screen.  

Early depictions of Black womanhood left little to the imagination. These women were often servants, maids, or caregivers to white children, relegated to snappy one-liners, always remaining subordinate to their white counterparts on screen. The hypersexualized Black women characters (insert the Jezebel or Sapphire), were often depicted as having limited self-control, driven by an incorrigible desire for sex. And while we’ve since evolved from these limiting, demeaning depictions (kinda), the foundation of Black womanhood on screen has consistently fought to dismantle its harmful origins.

The 70s, 80s and 90s brought viewers multidimensions of Black womanhood – from Pam Grier in her Blaxploitation films of the ‘70s, to Claire Huxtable’s historic role as the matriarch on “The Cosby Show,” Black women finally got to see more of their lived realities on screen. Black women were now mothers, professionals, friends and lovers, roles that humanized Black women, making them more relatable than ever.

The 2000s brought viewers prestige. Characters like Oliva Pope… This layered storytelling can be attributed to a variety of factors, but I personally believe it is largely due to Black female creators who were given greater control and autonomy to tell stories that genuinely resonate with Black women. This access to decision-making power directly correlates with shifting narrative authority, while focusing on the complexity of Black womanhood.

Although Black women are still fighting to tell their stories, free from network and executive gatekeeping, audiences have witnessed a true evolution in the media's portrayal of Black women. We no longer solely support characters in someone else’s story; we’re driving the narrative on our own terms, telling the stories that matter most to us. Black women have moved beyond simply being the sidekick with limited depth, to showing up complicated, happy and well-rounded.