In this second installment of the kids and culture series, we are taking a deeper look into different minority representation on screen for families in Wisconsin. The state has a deep history with many Black leaders, activists and artists that have changed the course of Wisconsin’s history. And given that the 2020 census data demonstrated that areas like Milwaukee county have a Black population that makes up nearly 30% of the region, it is important for Wisconsinites to see increased Black representation on screen.
As with content regarding Native populations, PBS takes the lead for a wide array of content aimed for children and teenagers to learn more about African-American/Black history. For example, documentaries on Civil Rights leaders, such as Vel Phillips who may be less well-known, are streamed for free, discussing the legacy of this first African American judge in Wisconsin. There are also many animated shorts for elementary and middle schoolers regarding many pioneers, like Joshua Glover. For older children and families, “Black Nouveau” on PBS Milwaukee is an award-winning program that is also one one of the longest-running series on public television, highlighting Milwaukee’s Black community and covers Black culture, history, and contemporary issues within Wisconsin. And in its own words, the show “promotes positive images, interviews and profiles of African-American movers and shakers.” Many Wisconsin libraries, including the Milwaukee Public Library and Madison Public Library, offer free access to streaming services like Kanopy, which includes a “Black Stories and Experiences” section. This section provides children with access to a variety of films and series about Black history and culture.
There are also many episodes available for streaming on free platforms such as YouTube from broader nationwide series. Gracie’s Corner follows a young Black girl who shares lessons in an energetic, music-driven format aimed at preschoolers and early learners. The channel's content uses catchy songs, fun animations, and engaging storytelling to teach essential skills and concepts, like the alphabet, numbers, and good manners, while also integrating cultural themes and positive representation. Their emphasis on inclusivity, self-confidence, and social-emotional learning also makes the show greatly empowering. Writers in the past have also curated other shows that amplify Black voices, such as this parent from Medium and this separate mother via the Black New Orleans Mom.
In the first article of this series, we discussed a little about the importance of representation of minorities in the media that children consume. Seeing characters who look like them or share similar backgrounds allows minority children to develop a positive sense of identity and self-worth. When Black children see positive, diverse portrayals of Black characters in leading roles, it challenges stereotypes and reinforces that they are important, valued, and capable of achieving greatness. Media representation also reduces feelings of isolation among minority children. By seeing Black characters in mainstream media, children feel a greater sense of connection to society and validation of their unique experiences. Additionally, for children outside the Black community, these representations can build empathy and understanding, breaking down stereotypes and fostering inclusivity.
The most recent Center for Disease control data from high-school surveys in Wisconsin demonstrate that 79.4% of Black youth are already spending time on social media several times a day. While one part of a health intervention is to decrease their screen time, another is ensuring that the time on their screens is filled with positive representation. Especially as the same survey indicated that 58.4% of Black youth also stated they were treated badly in school due to their race or ethnicity. Other reports, such as from Kids Count, have stated mental health disparities among youth of color. They state that 26% of Black children were diagnosed with anxiety or depression in Wisconsin, compared to 15% of White children.
While media alone may not mitigate these numbers, this representation is one step in the process to increase collective feelings of self-worth and sense of belonging to larger communities. Representation in media is, therefore, a powerful tool for nurturing identity, resilience, and self-acceptance in minority children, helping them to grow up with confidence and pride in who they are. NAMI Wisconsin has posted a document of mental health resources for Black/African-American communities on their website that may provide some assistance.
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