Sci-fi and fantasy film and television are finally broadening their horizons and providing us with more fully-realized, multidimensional Black characters. We’re not just sidekicks or one-off characters anymore; we’re whole families. While this surge of inclusion may have begun as a trend, it has become a powerful affirmation that Black narratives have a place in even the most fantastical realms.
Watching Black parents lead, love, and guide their children through storylines steeped in magic and mystery is not just refreshing, it’s revolutionary. These families bring depth, heart, and a rich perspective to worlds where anything can happen, and we love to see it! So, let’s review (in no particular order) some of the best portrayals of Black parents in these genres, celebrating their role at the forefront of the narrative where they truly belong.
1: The Freemans, Lovecraft Country
In the captivating universe of HBO’s Lovecraft Country, George and Hippolyta Freeman stand out as ideal Black parents in a genre that often marginalizes such characters. They nurture their daughter Diana’s artistic talents, showing genuine interest in her drawings and actively encouraging her to pursue her passion. Both George and Hippolyta are intellectuals who not only share their love for knowledge with Diana but also inspire her to embrace her own intelligence and curiosity.
After George’s tragic death, Hippolyta decides she needs to find out what really happened to her husband. She leaves Diana in the care of trusted family members — a testament to the adage “it takes a village.” Her quest to uncover the truth leads her through a journey of self-discovery and truths that change her as a woman, ultimately changing her as a mother as well. This decision conveys a powerful message about the strength in knowing when to seek personal growth. Returning transformed, Hippolyta embodies new strengths and wisdom, offering even greater inspiration and becoming a formidable role model for her resilient daughter.
2: Terry and Tess Hendrix, My Dad the Bounty Hunter
In Netflix’s animated series My Dad the Bounty Hunter, Terry and Tess Hendrix are separated, and they are navigating a new normal while harboring personal secrets. Despite these challenges, their primary focus remains on fostering a stable and nurturing environment for their children. This series balances fun and high-energy interstellar hi-jinks with the very real and impactful ways that secrets can strain family bonds.
However, the strength of the Hendrix family truly shines through when they face external threats. In these moments, regardless of their conflicts with one another, the family unites with an unbeatable sense of purpose and protection. Terry and Tess’s journey through marital troubles and secret-keeping underscores a powerful narrative: even amidst turmoil, the family’s commitment to each other remains unshakeable. This dynamic adds a rich layer to the series, highlighting the enduring power of family unity in overcoming challenges.
3: Jefferson and Lynn Pierce, Black Lightning
In the CW’s Black Lightning, Jefferson and Lynn Pierce show us how it’s done within the superhero realm. Jefferson, doubling as a high school principal and the vigilante Black Lightning, not only protects his community from crime but also instills values of justice and integrity at home. His partner Lynn is a brilliant neuroscientist whose deep understanding of their family’s powers is important to their well-being. Despite the strains their unique lifestyle places on their relationship, Lynn’s strength and intellect keep their family tightly knit.
Together, they navigate the challenges of raising their superhero daughters, Anissa and Jennifer, with a focus on their harnessing and responsibly using their powers. Jefferson and Lynn’s approach to parenting blends nurturing guidance with lessons on the importance of community and moral responsibility, teaching their family and others what it means to raise leaders equipped for both the challenges of their world and the needs of their community.
4: T’Chaka and Ramonda, Black Panther
In the Black Panther film series, T’Chaka and Ramonda epitomize the dignified strength and wisdom of Black parenthood in the realm of Wakanda. While the film offers only glimpses of their early years parenting a young T’Challa, their lasting influence on both him and his sister Shuri is profound. As leaders, they instill values of courage, integrity, and duty, guiding their children not only in the world but also through spiritual encounters on the ancestral plane.
Following T’Chaka’s death, Ramonda’s role as a mother becomes even more important. In the wake of her deep personal loss, she continues to stand as a pillar of strength and resilience, protecting and guiding T’Challa and Shuri. Her ability to lead her family — and her nation — through times of crisis, while managing her own grief, highlights the enduring power and grace of her character. Ramonda’s journey is a beautiful portrayal of how a mother’s love and wisdom are crucial in shaping leaders, reflecting the rich, layered depiction of Black parenthood.
5: Gabe and Adelaide Wilson, Us
In Jordan Peele’s Us, Gabe and Adelaide Wilson embody the gritty reality of Black parenthood thrown into a nightmarish scenario. Gabe, often jovial and a bit goofy, tries his best to keep the family’s spirits up, showing that humor can be a shield even when facing terrifying threats. Adelaide, marked by deep childhood trauma, stands as the family’s fierce protector, her strength coming into sharp focus as they battle for survival.
Confronted by their doppelgängers, the “Tethered,” the Wilsons are thrust into a facing a scary reflection of themselves, challenging them to deal with their deepest fears and flaws. This intense showdown is more than just a fight for survival; it’s a powerful look at how families cope under extreme pressure. Seeing such complex Black characters at the center of a horror story, battling their darker selves, highlights a level of resilience and unity that resonates deeply and breaks new ground in how Black families are portrayed on screen.
It’s clear that the evolving portrayal of Black families in science fiction and fantasy is gaining momentum. We’re seeing more varied examples of what it means to be a Black family in forbidden and taboo scenarios. In titles such as Netflix’s The Curse of Bridge Hollow, Raising Dion, and We Have a Ghost, Black families take center stage, ranging from the silly to the sincere, navigating both supernatural challenges and the everyday dynamics of love and life. These stories not only broaden the scope of representation but also enrich the genres we love with new depths and complexities. By placing Black parents like the Freemans and the Pierces at the heart of these narratives, the entertainment industry is not just changing; it’s thriving, offering richer, more diverse storytelling that promises to inspire and resonate across all audiences. This evolution not only marks a significant step forward, it ensures that the realms of imagination are truly open for everyone.
