For many, Netflix isn’t just the future of TV consumption, it’s also at the forefront of diversity in the televisual space.
And the company is cementing that position with the formation of their Strong Black Lead division; a collective – anchored by Black execs at the company – who conceived and executed a powerful commercial aired during the BET Awards last night.
Narrated by ‘Stranger Things’ star Caleb McLaughlin, ‘A Great Day In Hollywood’ unites Black talent from Netflix’s top shows to stress that they aren’t part of a passing moment – they are instead at the epicentre of a major movement.
The clip, which draws its inspiration from renown 1958 photo “A Great Day in Harlem” (which featured prominent jazz musicians of period), boasts appearances from several notable names.
Alongside McLaughlin were the likes of Ava DuVernay, Laverne Cox, Danielle Brookes (‘Orange Is The New Black’), Reverend Run, Lena Waithe (‘Master of None’), Logan Browning (‘Dear White People’), Mike Colter and Alfre Woodard (‘Luke Cage’).
Watch the powerful piece below…
Amazing!
The commercial is timely on several fronts. Because not only is it apt given the social climate and Pop cultural celebration of Blackness (see: success of ‘Black Panther’ et al), its arriving during an important window for Netflix.
For, the company just hit headlines last week after firing its top PR chief Jonathan Friedland for using the N-word on various occasions at work and displaying what CEO Reed Hastings referred to as “unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity.”
His swift axing and this visual (which was actually conceived and filmed way before the drama) sends a potent message. Kudos!
American Diversity = Whites and Blacks (f*** everyone else)
True diversity includes everyone. I can see your point but you have to see the current climate as the first step towards greater representation for all. The great thing about ‘diversity goals’ is that it won’t ever be achieved until every demographic is served and represented.