Editor’s Take

BY NJEMILE Z. ALI

Finding Black Men as Heroes in Media

Following is a list of Black men in media that we thought lived heroic lives. After looking back over the list, it was interesting to note that Will Smith has played quite a few heroic men in film. As we talked it over, we discussed whether a hero has to win by the end of the story.

We’re too tired of seeing righteous and upstanding Black characters die onscreen, as though whatever you do is never enough. Take the “heroine” of Disney’s “Frog Princess,” for example. Girlfriend couldn’t even get a little Disney magic to accomplish her goals. She had to work hard, hard, hard to get where she wanted to go. And when have you ever seen a princess be the frog?

But I digress. Of course, this month, it’s not about Black female heroes. Just saying …

What do you think? Is it about how the hero lived, or whether he won or lost? Or both? Add to the list of Black Men as Heroes in books, short stories, onscreen, on stage, in stories or in song. Post your selections on KIZA’s Facebook page.

Media Featuring Black Men as Heroes

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