The Black Sitcom Characters That Inspired My Journey As A Writer

During the 2020 quarantine period, I found myself binging several black sitcoms. And since then I rewatch all of those shows in my free time. There are a few characters I truly related to, not just as a young black girl, but because of their love for writing. I’ve always loved to write, but these characters affirmed that love, as I shared the same feelings about my work as they did about theirs. So, even though no one asked, here’s a list, in order.

4. Maya Wilkes (Authoress!) from Girlfriends

She self published a book, sold it on the streets, and then secured a major book deal. And there were hardly any conversations after that where she didn’t call herself an “authoress”! She taught me that as a writer, you just have to go for it. And do it in your way! Her book was written in the way she spoke (AAVE) and she was adamant about who her audience was. The girls that get it, get it. And its not for those who don’t!

3. Penny Proud from The Proud Family

Now of course, this is a show I watched as a kid (way before quarantine). And I definitely noticed Penny loves to write! She wrote for her school news paper and was truly passionate about it. More than anything, this character sparked my interest in writing and journalism.

2. Khadijah James from Living Single

Khadijah was that girl! Not only is she played by the living legend Queen Latifah, but she owned a urban magazine! Watching her run Flavor (which our music sector is named after) was extremely inspiring to me as a young aspiring journalist myself! Plus I was a freshman in college when I first watched this show, so it made me excited for what I’d be learning and all the future possibilities journalism could bring me.

1. Moesha Mitchell from Moesha

Moesha was a writer through and through. Almost every episode started and ended with a diary entry. She was the editor of her school paper and later on in the show, she even interned for Vibe. This is the character I relate to the most, not just because of her love for writing but as a young black girl in general. Moesha is one of my favorite shows, not just because I adore the GOAT that is Brandy, but because it’s quality television! I rewatch it often.

I wrote this not just to highlight some of the characters I appreciate as I continue my writing journe, but to share so that others like me may find inspiration in them as well. You can stream Girlfriends and Moesha on Netflix, Living Single on Hulu, and The Proud Family or The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder on Disney+.