This study investigates the portrayal of Black characters by examining the narrative’s usage of dark/light symbolism, Black culture, and pervasive stereotypes in science fiction and modern fantasy. Through qualitative discourse analysis of selected literature Blood at the Root, American Gods, Good Omens, The Color of Magic, Kindred, The Fifth Season, A Harvest of Hearts, Zoo City, Who Fears Death and The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store, and theoretical analysis of Playing in the Dark, Orientalism, The Invention of Race, Afrocentricity in Afrofuturism, Race Matters, and Flame Wars, this research aims to discover how Black characters are represented in their narratives and how their portrayal reflects real-world discrimination as well as the call for diversity within literature and visual media. The research questions center around the understanding of the portrayal of Blacks in these contexts: How is the presence of dark and light symbolism utilized in the narrative in reference to the Black individual’s portrayal? What social stereotypes and biases does the Black character face, and what does the portrayal reflect in reality? How are characters coded as Black based upon the use of cultural markers? What is the narrative presence of Black individuals, and is there evidence of tokenism? The major question discusses how these chosen texts represent Black individuals and their culture through thematic analysis and the use of language to identify characteristics, stereotypes, and biases impactful to the nuanced depiction of Black individuals in literature and visual media.

This research examines the role of media in shaping public discourse, with a focus on the intersection of race, media content, and audience reception. Using content from The New York Times, CNN, and The Shade Room, this study analyzes 75 articles— from both the 2020 US election and the 2024 US election—across five keyframing categories: Moral, Legal, Economic, Global, and National. This research examines how communication strategies can be utilized to target different audience groups, particularly those defined by race. The study identifies key communication models such as one-way and two-way communication: 1. One-Way Communication: This model involves the distribution of information from media outlets to audiences with little to no direct feedback. In the context of political media coverage, one-way communication can be used to shape public perception by presenting a curated narrative. Mainstream media outlets like CNN and The New York Times use one-way communication to broadcast political messages, ads, or reports with minimal engagement from the audience. 2. Two-Way Communication: This model facilitates a dialogue between media outlets and their audience, promoting feedback and interaction. Social media platforms like The Shade Room rely heavily on two-way communication, allowing for real-time responses, comments, and direct engagement from the public. It allows the media to refine its narratives based on audience reactions, creating a more dynamic, participatory form of communication. By analyzing the shifting discourse on race and the field of communications, this study highlights the evolving role of media in shaping and partaking in public opinion.

With the recent rise of diverse female voices in media, Black female producers have appeared as cultural powerhouses telling stories beyond trauma and stereotype. This research will explore how Black female television producers have played a pivotal role in presenting authentic narratives about Black culture. Two such producers include Issa Rae and Quinta Brunson, who are redefining what it means to tell Black stories on screen. Through their series Insecure (HBO, 2016-2021) and Abbott Elementary (ABC, 2021-present), Rae and Brunson offer narratives about Black culture and elevate Black joy and community. Through comedic elements, character-driven plots, and community-based themes, both shows capture the richness of everyday Black life. This study will involve a comparative analysis of the careers and creative work of Brunson and Rae. With a focus on Black joy, cultural authenticity, and self-representation, methods will include textual analyses of five episodes each from Insecure and Abbott Elementary and media coverage about the women and their series as well as scholarly discussions on Black women in television. Preliminary findings suggest that Rae and Brunson are part of a creative shift reshaping the representations of Black culture, challenging traditional portrayals, and centering joyful, culturally grounded experiences. This study is significant because it highlights the contributions of Black women in shifting media narratives about Black culture and shows how authentic, joy centered storytelling may empower future media storytellers. The findings suggest that there is a growing space within the entertainment industry for Black joy to portray creatively without compromising cultural authenticity.