Spike Lee in 'Do the Right Thing' Merie Wallace/HBO; Courtesy Everett Collection; NBC Productions/Courtesy Everett Collection; Bruce W. Talamon/Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection On Juneteenth, the nation commemorates the end of slavery.
The holiday marks a celebration of Black culture, community and the stories that continue to shape generations. From festivals and block parties to family gatherings and cookouts, Juneteenth is a time to reflect on where we’ve been and celebrate who we are.
One of the most powerful ways those stories are told is through the characters we see on screen. From Spike Lee’s Mookie in Do the Right Thing to Black in the Oscar-winning Moonlight, Black characters have entertained us, challenged us, inspired us and helped us see ourselves in ways that feel authentic and lasting.
This Juneteenth, we’re highlighting 19 Black characters who left their mark on television and film. They made us laugh, cry, fall in love and think differently about the world around us. More than fan favorites, these characters expanded what Black life could look like on screen, proving that our stories are as diverse, complex and unforgettable as the communities they represent
Take a look at our 19 picks below.
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Dwayne Wayne in A Different World (1987-93)
Image Credit: Carsey-Werner Co./Courtesy Everett Collection Dwayne Wayne was the smooth, funny, engineering-major heartthrob that stole the hearts of viewers in the beloved late-’80s sitcom A Different World. The spinoff of The Cosby Show, which stars Kadeem Hardison (Dwayne Wayne), Jasmine Guy (Whitley Gilbert), Darryl Bell (Ron Johnson) and Lisa Bonet (Denise Huxtable), remains one of the most beloved Black sitcoms to ever hit the screens. The show, set at the predominately Black Hillman College, gives us a young-adult heartwarming and comedic six-season look at the college lives of Black students.
Dwayne gave us a Black male character who didn’t just fit in any designated typecast. He was ambitious yet relatable, nerdy yet charismatic, and confident without losing his vulnerability. Through his academic pursuits, friendships and (jealousy-inducing) iconic romance with Whitley Gilbert, Dwayne challenged long-held stereotypes about what Black males should look like onscreen.
