In the world of media and entertainment, it is essential for producers, directors, and casting agents to prioritize authentic representation. By ensuring that Black stories are not limited to stereotypes or tokenism, so a more inclusive industry can be fostered.

The representation of in cinema plays a vital role in the lives of children. It is often one of their first introductions to the outside world, slowly shaping their perception of themselves and the world around them. When young Black children see characters who look like them on the big screen, it sends a powerful message of affirmation and inclusion. It allows them to see their own stories, experiences, and struggles portrayed with authenticity and empathy.

 2023 has been a big year for Black characters in the box office. Movies like "The Little Mermaid," "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," "Peter Pan and Wendy," and "Barbie" are some of the films making waves and creating moments of pride.

Disney's "The Little Mermaid," released in 1989, enchanted audiences with its captivating tale of a curious mermaid named Ariel who embarks on a magical journey to pursue her dreams on land. When Disney announced a remake, the anticipation of how this iconic tale would be reimagined was high. Subsequently, Halle Bailey was cast to play Princess Ariel, which sparked unnecessary outrage in public discourse.

The original movie had a crab with a Jamaican accent, talking and singing animals, and a half-octopus, half-woman being. But somehow, the idea of a Black mermaid seemed farfetched. With the release of the trailer, a social media trend was born, watching young Black girls react to a beautiful Black mermaid with luscious locs created a huge excitement for people excited to see this new version swim into theatres . The movie was released in May 2023 and received positive reviews globally.

Disney also released the live-action film retelling of the 1953 animated classic "Peter Pan." The 2023 version, titled "Peter Pan and Wendy," also featured a race switch, with the character of Tinkerbell played by Yara Shahidi. Tinkerbell is a mythical fairy character created in 1904 but has had several adaptations, including being part of the Disney fairies franchise. This change in casting also caused some people to be offended that a beloved character would look different. 

The fact is, a character can be played by anyone unless their physical appearance is core to the story. For example, characters like Mulan or Tiana must be played by someone representing those cultures because it is rooted in the experiences of the characters. Black stories are vast, and Black characters can be superheroes, mermaids, aliens, fairies, and much more.

The lack of representation of Black characters in fantasy genres in cinema has long been a prevalent issue. The absence of Black characters in fantasy films can perpetuate that these stories and realms are inherently reserved for white individuals, erasing the experiences and narratives of Black people. This lack of diversity hampers the ability of Black audiences to see themselves reflected in these imaginative worlds and reinforces harmful stereotypes while limiting the storytelling possibilities within the genre.

"Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse," the animated superhero film sequel to "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" released in 2018. The June 2023 sequel continues the exploration of the Marvel comic character Miles Morales/Spider-Man and the discovery of alternate universes and brand new Black characters. Issa Rae voices Jess Drew/Spider-Woman, a pregnant African-American Spider-Woman from an alternate universe. Daniel Kaluuya portrays Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk, a Black British, punk rock version of Spider-Man from an alternate universe and Amandla Stenberg as Margo Kess / Spider-Byte, a Spider-Woman from a virtual reality.

The character of Miles Morales holds immense importance to young Black children as he serves as a relatable and empowering role model in the realm of superheroes. Through Miles' journey, young Black children can find inspiration, a sense of belonging, and the belief that they too can overcome challenges and make a positive impact on the world around them. He is not just a superhero; he is a teenager going through adaptation, change, and discovering his identity.

The highly anticipated Barbie film, directed by Greta Gerwig and set to release on July 21st, is the first live-action adaptation of a powerful and timeless franchise that has spanned from dolls and accessories to a massive multimedia franchise, including television shows, movies, computer games, and more, beginning in the 1980s. The franchise prides itself on emphasizing inclusivity, highlighting diverse characters, and promoting positive values such as friendship, teamwork, and acceptance.

Two main Black characters in the film are played by Issa Rae as President Barbie and Alexandra Shipp as Writer Barbie. Not much is known about the roles these characters will play, but the prospect of seeing these established Barbies grace the big screen is exciting. By featuring these Black dolls, the film acknowledges and celebrates the unique experiences and identities of Black girls. It also helps challenge societal norms and stereotypes by showcasing Black girls as multifaceted individuals with diverse interests, talents, and aspirations.

Moreover, Black characters in cinema provide inspiring role models and aspirational figures for young Black children. They demonstrate resilience, intelligence, talent, and success, proving that they too can achieve greatness. These characters show that our stories are just as valuable and worthy of being told. It opens doors to a world where they can see themselves as the heroes of their own stories and encourages them to dream big and believe in themselves.