# data[].attributes.body
What makes a “strong Black lead” or a “strong Black film” to you now?

# data[].attributes.body
A strong Black film centered around Afrocentricity represents empowerment, cultural pride, and intersectionality. It authentically portrays Black experiences while celebrating Black culture and empowers Black characters to overcome challenges addressing social issues that may affect them. A strong Black film also embraces diverse narratives, creating a powerful platform for storytelling and social change. These films resonate with audiences and create a deeper understanding of Black perspectives and experiences.

# data[].attributes.body
a “strong black lead” or a “strong black film” is a movie that has good character progression and development as well as being told from the black character’s perspective.

# data[].attributes.body
a lead in a film that centres around a person, or persons, whose Blackness is more than just struggle and hurt-- but the triumpths, joys, Black family, and Black love, the hidden beauties of Black experience that people often overlook

# data[].attributes.body
a strong black lead entails a character with originality and presence

# data[].attributes.body
My own personal understanding of what makes a "strong Black lead or film" is having a Black actor/actress who shows character development/journey throughout the film.

# data[].attributes.body
a “strong Black film” is one that applies the principles of Afrocentricity to all steps of the filmmaking process.

# data[].attributes.body
a strong Black film is a film where Black voices are centered.

# data[].attributes.body
one who is strong and empowered, and makes the viewer feel empowered as well.

# data[].attributes.body
a protagonist that has the same multidimensionalism as white protagonists, whose personality is not "just being black," yet is unapologetic to be black

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that the creation of a strong Black lead takes place in front of and behind the camera. It is important to have representation in the writers room and in production. I think it is also important to have the actor share their input on their character because actors tend to pull from their own lives to add emotion to their characters and their input could make a portryal more honest.

# data[].attributes.body
what makes a film a strong Black film would be to have a cast not just on screen but behind the screen be majority Black if not all but not even just that, to also get to a point where we see more Black directors having their own companies and thus controlling what kind of content gets put out rather than being controlled by outside funders.

# data[].attributes.body
a strong Black lead is a character that contains multitudes

# data[].attributes.body
behind every strong Black lead character should be a Black film-making and consulting body of people to truly represent as many facets of that character's lived experience as possible.

# data[].attributes.body
When I think of a strong Black lead, I think of someone who is able to move beyond the white expectations and interpretations of Black culture and representation, to fully celebrate who they truly are in all aspects of their life and personhood.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe it's about authentic representation and complex characterization.

# data[].attributes.body
overcoming adversity and also being a grounded and relatable character.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe a strong Black lead or film is one that is multifaceted.

# data[].attributes.body
a solid black lead or a strong black film is a film that has black actors/actresses, black production, black designs, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong black film is a movie which has a positive impact on the black community (nationally or globally) and being able to influence people outside of the black race as well.

# data[].attributes.body
if it is able to positively impact a community while still being relatable, and keeping its authenticity.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe what makes a strong black lead, is how the characters are depicted in these storylines.

# data[].attributes.body
a strong Black lead has nuance and development to their character.

# data[].attributes.body
an authentic character that is developed from those who have experienced the black experience.

# data[].attributes.body
a film that explores Black people's multifaceted and complex experiences. It does not simplify or dramatize the Black experience to make it more palatable for white people.

# data[].attributes.body
I think a strong black film would be one that portrays a black actor or actress in a way that highlights their courageous, independent nature.

# data[].attributes.body
a "strong Black film" tells a story that does not rely on stereotypes or just appealing to a white audience.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel that a strong black lead has to be relatable, and does not let media gloss over their blackness.

# data[].attributes.body
someone who is not afraid to show their vulnerability on camera displaying all of their emotions and can connect with their audience in this way.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe a strong Black lead is an authentic character drawn up and created from Black minds.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe that a strong black film involves several things, the most important of these being that black people are the focal point of the movie.

# data[].attributes.body
a strong black lead exudes relatability and authenticity, unapologetically embracing their black identity, while negating the need to dilute their identity.

# data[].attributes.body
As Caleb McLaughlin said in the clip, there is no one way to be Black and I think a lot of actors get backlash for certain word choices or ways that their characters are portrayed because audiences oftentimes have a narrow idea of what it means to be Black or what it means to live a certain way or understand some common struggle. There is no one way.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe there are different ways for characters to be strong Black leads, or movies to be strong Black films, but one unifying feature that feels important to me is something like truth or authenticity, or a focus on Black people and experience that manages to capture a feeling of presence.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe what makes a strong Black film does not censor historical events significant to the black community or black experiences for the sake of white viewership. I think a strong black role is versatile and capable of handling a variety of roles that portray different elements and emotions effectively.

# data[].attributes.body
I think a strong, Black lead can be fufilled by having Black actor who is skilled at their craft and has proven that they are capable of portrarying various emotions and can humanize their character.

# data[].attributes.body
I believe what makes a strong black film is a film not censoring important historical moments that have happened.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong black lead is a relatable, real, aware, and unapologetically black person who takes the risk of being specific and intentional to talk about a problem of problems in society that are happening either today or for centuries in the black community.

# data[].attributes.body
What makes a strong Black film is having Black people on and behind the screen and being Afrocentric. The film aims to put Black people at the center, with their own agency, success, and virtuous consciousness. It aims at dismantling false information about historical events, telling a story from a black perspective, and removing the unnecessary White saviors. It attempts to change the mindset of people and advance black people and black stories, without needing to put white characters or white stories. It does not stereotype or create tropes of black characters but shows them as complex individuals.

# data[].attributes.headline
A strong Black film should not exclusively highlight Black struggles and trauma but should also be focused by a mindset of victorious consciousness that "pulls back the curtain" of enslavement among other tragedies that tend to define what society thinks of as the "Black experience." There's also not just one way to be Black, as Caleb McLaughlin astutely reminds us!

# data[].attributes.subject
A strong Black film should not exclusively highlight Black struggles and trauma but should also be focused by a mindset of victorious consciousness that "pulls back the curtain" of enslavement among other tragedies that tend to define what society thinks of as the "Black experience." There's also not just one way to be Black, as Caleb McLaughlin astutely reminds us!

# data[].attributes.body
I believe what makes a strong black lead is someone who of course is black but is also not afraid to step into that role and embrace their blackness. A strong black lead is also an authentic character who displays all their emotions and connect with their audiences. It is also someone who is not apologetically for what they know is right.

# data[].attributes.body
A Black film can only be strong when all of the people involved are on the same page about the work that they are trying to undertake. They need to be clear about what they are aiming to do with their contributions to the field, to advancing Blackness and prioritizing Black histories and futures, and to center a narrative that is often untold or overshadowed. A strong Black lead will embody all of this and their passion will show through quite clearly. For all of this to work together, I think that there needs to be a strong crew as well to help uplift each other, check each other, and offer different perspectives that will ensure that the film is doing what it set out to do.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong black film centers black voices and experiences within the film. With the intent to impact the community and others in positive ways.

# data[].attributes.body
a strong Black lead is a character who is courageous and has agency, even if it takes the whole film for them to develop this. they are multifaceted and live independent of stereotypes.

# data[].attributes.body
I think that a strong Black film strongly incorporates the perspective and theory of Afrocentricity. This includes making sure the film focuses on agency, centeredness, and vicious consciousness for all the Black characters. The characters are properly fleshed out and have their own backstories and plotlines, and their purpose is not to simply serve other white characters. The film does not cave in to common racist stereotypes, and may even work to push against those misrepresentations. The film should speak to authentic Black experiences.

# data[].attributes.body
My initial response was based on the level of independence shown by a black character of interest. That being said, I would answer this question now with a more Afrocentric viewpoint, emphasizing the importance of telling the story of a black character as the center of the movie's universe.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong black protagonist is a full person. They lead an Afrocentric film in which their struggles and strengths are just as complex as anyone else's and are centered in their own journey.

# data[].attributes.body
I feel that one undeniable trait of a strong black lead is being undeniably authentically black without censorship, as well as being true to themselves. I also believe that a strong black lead should not rely on stereotypes. They should also have full autonomy and be able to connect with the black community.

# data[].attributes.body
One of the films I watched this semester was Foxy Brown. I thought Pam Grier absolutely embodied a strong black lead. She is so insanely talented and inspiring and she took the character Foxy and breathed life into her. She was courageous, capable, sensitive, and funny. Obviously the themes prominent in Blaxploitation films were present, such as pimps, violence against women etc. but she was so phenomenal in it and I think she should be given her flowers.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong Black film is one that goes beyond just the inclusion of Blackness and/or Africanity. It incorporates Afrocentricity, character complexity, centeredness, agency, empowerment, and independence. It stays true to the authenticity and uniqueness that is Black life and experiences.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong Black lead or film is a film that captures and centers the nuances of being a Black person unapologetically. The Black identity permeates decisions, words, and perspective.

# data[].attributes.body
What makes a strong Black lead is a protagonist who is multidimensional, there is more to the character than just supporting the plot, they should have their own lives, and that should be explored. I think this is best done when we see not just the cast but also the crew behind the scenes also being majority Black. This is important in order to represent and create an authentic experience contrary to the stereotypical one dimensional Black characters we often see in Hollywood.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong black lead is someone who uplifts other black voices and displays authentic black experiences on screen including moments of black joy.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong Black film gives its Black characters agency and authority as they go about experiencing their lives or the the film's plot. The film may or may not focus on issues related to racism or prejudicial experiences specific to Blackness, but it should center its Black characters and humanize them by making them active, independent agents in their own lives. The film may do this by subverting anti-Black stereotypes, allowing their Black characters to be successful and emotionally well-rounded, spotlighting Black history that is not solely tied to enslavement and defeat, and/or not employing unnecessary elements like the White savior is hopes of appealing to non-Black audiences.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong Black film should center Black voices both on and off camera. The characters should have agency and be well developed with clear motivations and actions that drive the story forward. It should be an authentic portrayal of Blackness, but it should not focus on solely hardships faced by Black people; it should also include triumphs and the joy of being Black.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong Black lead is someone who embodies Afrocentricity on screen and off. They are written by and for Black audiences with the intention of sharing authentic and celebratory stories of the Black experience, culture, strength, beauty, and excellence. The only agenda should be to portray and center Blackness, rather than using it as a a prop or support for another person's story. They should be a celebration and aware of all aspects of Blackness, not just the images and stereotypes created by white creators and executives.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong Black film is created by having open communication and input from people who can accurately center Black experiences and voices. A strong Black lead is authentic, centered in their own story, and shown to have agency.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong black lead is a person who stay true to their experience, emotions, and actions. (Can bei inspiring at times) They show true black representation on screen and don’t appeal to white audience or white society norms in film but bring enlightenment in a way being able dismantle stereotypes. They are relatable and authentic.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong Black lead is a character that is not defined by or alienated from their racial identity. They are made whole by the thoughtful and meaningful inclusion of their black identity into the broader conversation of their development.

A strong Black film is one that is told from within the perspective of the Black community, one that explores the nuances of the Black experience by making space for the reality of extreme tragedy that has marked the Black experience in this country, all while still maintaining a lens of victorious consciousness that faithfully portrays the community's resilience through their resistance and joy.

# data[].attributes.body
A strong black lead embodies afrocentric values, who displays authenticity in black experiences and uplifts black voices

# data[].attributes.headline
A strong black lead is a black individual who writes out their own path that best represents them. While they may encounter various setbacks or obstacles, they make the choice and decision of working to their goals (good/bad) without the interference of others.

# data[].attributes.subject
A strong black lead is a black individual who writes out their own path that best represents them. While they may encounter various setbacks or obstacles, they make the choice and decision of working to their goals (good/bad) without the interference of others.

# data[].attributes.body
-Aeriel