The summer TV season is finally here and that means, in addition to indulging in all of the wonderful summer activities, you also have a lot of good things to watch—specifically as it relates to black star power.
From comedies and dramas to game shows and award shows, there is something for everyone to watch this month and the best thing about the programming is that it's full of melanated options. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood are returning to the small screen this summer, including Ava Duvernay, Jamie Foxx, Steve Harvey, Niecy Nash, Marlon Wayans and more.
Related: Black Star Power: Check Out What's New & Black On Netflix In June
Click through the gallery to check out our round-up of all the TV premieres to keep things hot and interesting all summer long!
1."Queen Sugar"
OWN
The third season of the OWN network hit will tackle the intense journey of fatherhood, as Ralph Angel deals with the paternity outcome of his son Blue. (Premiered May 29, airs Wednesdays at 10pm.)
Featured image by Pose/FX
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I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
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VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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“I’m a different person, you know, now than I was January 19,” King shared. “Grief is a journey, you know? I understand that grief is love that has no place to go.”
“I know that it’s important for me to honor Ian in the totality of who he is, speak about him in the present because he is always with me and the joy and happiness that he gave all of us,” she added.
The Shirley star also added that it's vital to discuss the common misconception surrounding depression, noting that battles with mental health can manifest in diverse ways. “When it comes to depression, people expect it to look a certain way — they expect it to look heavy,” King told Robin Roberts.
“To have to experience this and not be able to have the time to just sit with Ian’s choice, which I respect and understand… He didn’t want to be here anymore, and that’s a hard thing for other people to receive because they did not live our experience, did not live Ian’s journey.”
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The Academy Award winner openly revealed that she was initially “so angry with God.”
“Why would that weight be given to Ian? Of all of the things that we had gone through — therapy, psychiatrists, programs — and Ian was like, ‘I’m tired of talking, Mom,' " she said.
With the memory of her son near to her, King said through tears, “My favorite thing about myself is being Ian’s mom and I can say that with a smile, with tears, with all of the emotion that comes with that. I can’t do that if I did not respect the journey.”
Anderson, 26, was a musician, DJ, and King’s only child. In 2019, Ian escorted his mother on the red carpet of the Golden Globes where she took home the award for "Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture."
He toldE! News at the time, "She's just a super mom. She doesn't really let bad work days or anything come back and ruin the time that we have. It's really awesome to have a mother who I can enjoy spending time with."
Understanding that grief is shared by many others, King emphasizes the unique weight of her role as Ian's mother and acknowledges that the sadness will always be a part of her.
“Sometimes, a lot of guilt comes over me. When a parent loses a child, you still wonder, ‘What could I have done so that wouldn’t have happened?’ I know that I share this grief with everyone, but no one else is Ian’s mom, you know? Only me. So it’s mine. And the sadness will never go away. It will always be with me.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
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