Being a millennial, looking back at the '90s is like taking a trip down memory lane filled with a deep sense of nostalgia. TV meant more to me than just a way to pass the time—it was like a guiding force during my growing-up years. Remembering the shows that defined my childhood, it's pretty clear how much Black family sitcoms impacted me.
They weren't just for laughs; they were like mentors, shaping who I am today. Growing up with these shows, I found not just moments of joy but also lessons that still stick with me. It's important to remember the unique contributions these shows made and why they're still important. They were a big part of my upbringing, playing a crucial role in shaping who I am today.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" wasn't just any old regular sitcom; it became this super important pillar in our culture, leaving a lasting impression for generations. Will Smith's way of bringing the character to life wasn't just for fun. He was a guide through serious moments, like race, class, and who we are. The show, with all its different stories, was more than just jokes; it showed me life's challenges and how we grow through them.
The special moments in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" were more than just funny bits. Especially, the heart-to-heart talks between Will and Uncle Phil were like emotional anchors. They didn't just show how
family sticks together; they also gave me a deep sense of what real family love is. These moments were more than scenes preformed by paid actors but were like life lessons that hit me personally.
As a kid dealing with growing up without my mother being present, that scene where Will faces the truth about his dad not being there hit me hard. It wasn't just a TV script, it felt like a mirror showing the complicated side of real relationships and what it's like when parents aren't around. In that moment, the show wasn't just entertaining; it made me feel really human, recognizing all the feelings that come with family drama. "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" became a sort of comfort and understanding during a time in my life when those things meant a lot. Reast in peace Uncle Phil.
Family Matters
"Family Matters" wasn't your usual sitcom; it became something more, diving deep into the life of a middle-class African-American family. The show became a spotlight on the importance of being yourself and accepting who you are. The heart of this transformation was Steve Urkel, not just a funny character with catchphrases but a messenger of a big lesson: it's not just okay but amazing to be different and be yourself.
The show didn't stop at the surface; it had a diverse group of characters sending a loud message. Real friends accept you for who you are and always put in a strong effort to help you feel good about who you are and who you want to be. “Family Matters” truly showed me the way to understanding and embracing your own uniqueness.
Back in a time when society had some strange ideas about intelligence, "Family Matters" was a lighthouse challenging those stereotypes. Urkel with all his clumsiness became a beacon saying it's okay to be intelligent. This was a big deal for someone like me growing up in a neighborhood where getting A’s wasn’t on the top of the list for a lot of kids my age.
The show shook things up by showing a strong dad in a Black family, working as a police officer. That was kind of different for the '90s, and not everyone got it, but it was a spark for change, proving that Black families could be strong with an even stronger dad, breaking stereotypes, and making room for a more inclusive story. "Family Matters" did a lot in changing how people saw families and how law can be a positive part of the Black community.
A Different World
"A Different World" was more than a push for something bigger than an every day college sitcom. It made it look like college was an amazing journey worth going on. I had no idea what an HBCU was before Hillman. The show didn't just focus on African-American culture, social issues, and higher education, but was also an inspiration for me and tons of others around me to keep educating ourselves, no matter if it was traditional college, a military journey or self education. The focus was never to stop growing mentally. The idea of college wasn't just a story; it was a nudge to go out there and make it happen.
This inspiring view of college life in "A Different World" got me thinking big, pushing me to aim for college. I came from a place where high education seemed like this far-off dream, but the show made it look interesting and showed how it could change your life. Seeing characters deal with the ups and downs of college life gave me this determination and sense of purpose.
The characters, especially Whitley Marion Gilbert and Lena James, were like role models. Trying to be a bit like them, taking on their strengths and bouncing back from tough times, I got a lot of inspiration from their stories. Even though my tastes have changed some since those bidge watching sessions infront of the TV, what these characters meant to me back then still sticks. Their journeys on the show didn't just shape what I wanted to do while enrolled in undergrad classes; they influenced the kind of person I wanted to be and what I pictured for my future. Side note, I'm looking for somewhere to get those iconic glasses.
Living Single
"Living Single" was a vibrant picture celebrating the independence and successes of four single African-American women. Beyond breaking stereotypes, the show was a guiding light, shouting out how important friendship and sisterhood both are. The way it showed these strong, independent women wasn't just for fun; it left a big impression on me, shaping how I see female empowerment in a big way.
The friendships in "Living Single" held lessons in building and keeping strong connections. It got deep into the details of these relationships, showing the toughness, support, and camaraderie between the women. The story was real, painting a picture of friendships that became a guide for handling the ups and downs of relationships.
Watching the characters go through the building of real connections in "Living Single" was like fuel for my inspiration. It gave me insights into what true friendship is about. The show didn't just make me laugh; it
showed the power that comes when women lift each other up and have each other's backs. Seeing it this way in "Living Single" helped me understand the importance of having strong, empowering friendships and what I should not accept.
Even though "Living Single" didn't get as much attention as "Friends," I kind of wished it did. Both shows talked about friendships, but “Friends” never quite connected with my community as “Living Single” did. Still, "Living Single" was this undeniable force, leaving a big mark on our culture and showing the world the strength of strong, independent women and their amazing friendships.
Martin
Martin Lawrence's "Martin" was and still is this cultural phenomenon that brought real laughter and warmth into my childhood home. The characters and their witty humor weren't just for laughs; they were a break from the challenges of everyday life, giving me a much-needed escape into a world of joy and friendship. With the sound of laughter filling my living room, "Martin" became a reliable friend, showing me how important it is to find joy even in the middle of life's craziness and trust me craziness was Martin. Have you seen the episode with him and Gina fighting the puppy? Well... that aint no damn puppy. I will not lie to you it has made me double check my travel bookings.
Beyond all the jokes, "Martin" told a story that went beyond just humor. It showed a more detailed picture of relationships. The lively connection between Martin and Gina wasn't just about laughs. It painted this powerful image of Black Love. Through their highs and lows, quirks, and honest banter, I got to see what real love looks like in a Black relationship something that wasn’t strongly showed well in my home growing up. The realness of their connection became my hope, teaching me that love includes both the happy moments and the tough times, and that true companionship means facing life's twists and turns together.
Yes, "Martin" wasn a sitcom but it also became this visual representation of Black Love for me, something that wasn't shown much in mainstream media. The way it portrayed Martin and Gina's relationship was a breath of fresh air and real relationship goals despite their real life relationship with one another. Martin showed me it was possible to break away from love stereotypes and showed a real, relatable view of love within the Black community. In those moments, "Martin" turned into more than just entertainment but also a teacher, revealing the beauty and strength found in Black Love.
Some people quote the lessons of their mother and father. I on the other hand can quote lines from Black 90s sitcoms. Every time I quote a line I think about the impact of all of those '90s Black family sitcoms that raised me, it's pretty clear they were more than just entertainment. They played a big part in shaping how I see the world, breaking stereotypes, and making the Black community proud. They were essential guides, teaching me lessons that still sticks with me today in my mid-30s. Looking at my life now and what's to come, I can't help but recognize how crucial these iconic shows were in making me who I am.
These shows were a way to escape my reality, helping me out during crucial moments in my growing-up years. I needed them to figure out life. Each show was a compass steering me through the ups and downs of the different moments of life for a Black child, bringing laughter, friendship, and, most importantly, lessons that are a big part me now.
When I look at the world around me, it really disappointing to see today's Black youth might not be receiving these valuable life lessons from the shows they tune into. The Zeus network isn’t really shooting out any Aunt Vivs and Uncle Phils. The digital age changed how we watch TV, but it feels like we're missing the kind of meaningful, real stories those '90s sitcoms gave us. The lessons about family, friends, love, and being strong from those shows are timeless, and it's important that we remember and celebrate the legacy they left behind and try to find ways to give these lessons to our youth.
As we move ahead, let's not forget the laughs, the lessons, and how these shows shaped who we are together. The cultural goodness they brought into our lives is something we should keep alive and celebrate. These shows weren't just mirrors of the times; they were guiding stars that helped make us who we are today. Bring back the 90s.