Learning from the Creators of the Black Love Docuseries: The Importance of Representation and Taking Initiative

By: Jordan Bucknor ‘22

Just because Black History Month is over does not mean people have to stop celebrating Black history. As a testament to that, the creators of the Black Love docuseries, Codie and Tommy Oliver, were invited to USC for a screening and discussion. In addition to having the creators visit, Hollywood stars, Michael White, Jillian White, and Jo-Ann Turnman were invited. The event was organized in collaboration between the USC School of Cinematic Arts, USC’s Black Alumni Association, and USC’s Black Student Association. Black Love has already aired two seasons on the Oprah Winfrey Network and features couples opening up about the joys, challenges, and realities of romance in the Black community. It is the most-viewed unscripted series debut in the network’s history and features couples (outside of the ones already mentioned) such as Viola Davis and Julius Tennon, Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin, Tia Mowry and Cory Hardrict and many more.