Empowering Representation: How Positive Black Narratives Drive Change And Profits

By Edwin Freeman Photos: Edwin Freeman As a Black actor, producer, and director who has worked on acclaimed projects like Notorious and Luke Cage, I’ve seen firsthand the power of positive representation in film and television. In Notorious, I had the privilege of portraying radio personality Mister Cee, while in the Marvel/Netflix series Luke Cage, I brought Young Pop to life—characters that showcased the strength, resilience, and multidimensionality of Black men. These roles, and the success of the projects overall, demonstrate the immense potential and audience demand for stories that depict Black people in a nuanced, empowering light. Notorious grossed over $51 million at the box office, while Luke Cage’s first season drew over 7 million viewers in its first month alone. These impressive numbers prove that when we see ourselves reflected authentically on screen, it resonates deeply with viewers and translates to real profits. Major studios and networks should take note of the incredible financial success of titles like Notorious, Luke Cage, Power ($6.6 billion valuation), and Godfather of Harlem—the latter two executive produced by my childhood friends from Queens, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Markuann Smith. These projects have cultivated massive followings and shown that audiences are hungry...