Marsai Martin, 16-year old actor, singer, dancer and writer now add producer to her list of accomplishments. Currently bringing the laughs as ‘Diane Johnson’ on ABC’s hit-show ‘Black-Ish’, she’s the older yet sinister twin sibling. Martin’s character is not only brilliant but sarcastic, snarky and lacks a filter for her mouth which often leads her into trouble. Her acting career began at the age of 5 when she was immediately signed to the Kim Dawson Agency in Dallas, Texas. After appearing in several commercials, she moved to Los Angeles in 2013 and 100 days later secured a campaign with Meineke.
Martin holds her own next to an all-star cast of actors such as Anthony Anderson, Tracey Ellis-Ross, Lawrence Fishburne and Jennifer Lewis. Her skills have earned her two National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Performance by a Youth. While on break from ‘Black-Ish’, Martin performed in the 35th-anniversary celebration of the musical ‘ ‘Dreamgirls’ with Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Jennifer Holiday. She also worked with Meagan Good in ‘How to Die Happy’, ‘Fun Mom’ and Amazon’s ‘An American Girl Story.’
The sky is the limit for this 16-year old as she has future goals adding more acting and executive producing roles to her resume. Well, that’s if she isn’t too busy clapping back at haters on Instagram. Martin posted a picture of her rocking box braids and a follower commented saying “Lay ur edges.” Martin politely responded with “I don’t have to. I like my hair kinks coils naps and all.” That’s how you clap back and let your Black Girl Magic shine!
Lisa Hammond is a 24-year old faith and lifestyle blogger from Cleveland, OH. With a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Cleveland State University, Lisa’s goal is to become a journalist, speaker, and author motivating women across the world.
If you scan the internet, it is full of articles somewhat praising or fully bashing the ABC sitcom ‘black-ish’ for its portrayal of black families. However, what I didn’t see enough of were all the reasons why a show like this is needed.
Better yet, why this show is important. Some will of course only look on the surface and judge for its sometimes over-zealous “lessons to be learned” that are quite often strung throughout the entire show. However, I’ve found some gems that aren’t so quite clear, but definitely, need to be highlighted.
Check out these 6 ways ‘black-ish’ has helped break down African American stereotypes and barriers:
It Celebrates Black Women In Medicine
Not sure about you, but when was the last time you saw a black woman in medicine that was not only married but was also highly involved in their children’s day-to-day lives. Dr. Rainbow “Bow” Johnson, played by Tracee Ellis Ross, is a full-time doctor, wife, and mother of five who struggles with the black superwoman syndrome daily. The show highlights her experience being a working woman of color in a predominately white field while also making time for the upbringing of her children.
Gives A Platform To Everyday Black Nerds
Andre “Junior” Johnson, the eldest son played by Marcus Scribner is a corky teen who loves school, science, anime, Harry Potter, and the casual responsibility of making sure everyone is always following the rules. He breaks down the stereotypical notion that black people aren’t into comics, STEM, and academics.
Highlights Black Academic Excellence
In speaking of academics, the show does a grand job of highlighting African Americans excelling in education. With the eldest daughter, Zoey Johnson, played by Yara Shahidi flying through high school at the top of her class and getting accepted into top schools like Howard University, the show debunks all stereotypes that black people lack education.
Uplifts Black Fathers
The narrator and father of the show, Andre “Dre” Johnson Sr., played by Anthony Anderson, completely shatters the thought that all black fathers are no longer in the home. Not only is he happily married to his wife, but he plays a very active role in his family’s life. Strong, dependable, smart, witty, hood, caring and successful all wrapped into one.
Emphasizes A Black Close-Knit Family
For some reason, our people are often portrayed as estranged from our families or even brought up in hostile environments. ‘black-ish’ not only dismantles that image but also emphasizes how most black families operate. We laugh and play games together. We sit at the dinner table, not the couch or a tray table.
We actually love the fact we can go in the next room and ask our grandma questions. And in fact, we all know and appreciate the importance of generational presence in the household. Grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles were more than likely hanging out around the household, and they were always welcome.
Underlines Black Privilege
This may be touchy to some, but we have to face facts. Some black people do have privilege and they know it. I for one am fully aware that not every black person can make it as a full-time freelancer and travel the world.
However, ‘black-ish’ makes sure to tell the sometimes-overlooked reality of black middle-class to well-off families thriving in their careers and professions. It may be hard to watch, but there is another side of the coin, that some black families will never know or fully understand.
Whether you’re a fan or not, I think we can all agree that this show at least starts much-needed dialogue and conversation.
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