In Netflix’s ‘Forever,’ a Love Letter to Black Girlhood | Vogue
Skip to main contentSearchSearchFashionBeautyCultureLivingWeddingsRunwayShoppingChevronVideoVogue ClubPhotoVogueFashionBeautyCultureLivingWeddingsRunwayMoreChevronOpen Navigation MenuMenuOpinionForeverâs Love Letter to Black GirlhoodBy Krysta HawkinsMay 18, 2025Photo: Elizabeth Morris/NetflixSave this storySaveSave this storySaveWhen I was growing up in the â90s, there were plenty of Black characters on TV, but Brandyâs Moesha Mitchellâa writer from Los Angeles who wore braids and carried a whole lot on her mindâwas the one who felt like me. I was always imaginative and ambitious but didnât know how to channel those things. I wanted to be a writer but didnât think it was possible. But then I watched Maya Angelou guest star on Moesha, and I read Still, I Rise. Suddenly, I saw myself reflected in a way I hadnât before. It was the first time I felt seenânot just as the Black girl, but as someone with depth, creativity, and something tangible to offer the world.Years later, watching Lovie Simone as Keisha in Netflixâs Forever has conjured a similar feeling. When I clicked play on the first episode of the seriesâproducer and screenwriter Mara Brock Akilâs adaptation of Judy Blumeâs 1975 novel of the same nameâI didnât expect to be in tears at 2 a.m. But now, it strikes me as one of the best portrayals of Black girlhood Iâve seen in a long time. (Happily, itâs already been renewed for a second season.)There arenât many shows out there right now for young Black girls. Before and certainly after the Grown-ish era ended last year, a noticeable gap emerged in coming-of-age stories centering Black characters. (Weâve come a long way from the UPN days, when Countess Vaughn, Kyla Pratt, and Essence Atkins all led their own shows.) As networks have doubled down on reality TV or leaned into reboots, investment in fresh stories about Black youth has become rare. Yes, we have Euphoria, an acclaimed and wildly popular show with Zendaya as a Black teenage lead. But Rueâs story is rooted in addiction, mental illness, and survivalâmore reflective of an adult world than the everyday experiences of Black teens.Forever shifts the narrative, making a young Black girlâs experiences with love, guilt, hope, and heartbreak feel worthy, even urgent. A teen from Los Angeles living with her single mom, Keisha is a student-athlete with her mind set on Howard University, caught in that uncertain space between who she is and who she hopes to become. Sheâs also trying to piece herself back together after a betrayal that would hurt anyone: an ex leaks their sex tape.The series begins with Keisha reconnecting with Justinâan old classmate, a new flameâat a house party. Their relationship unfolds over cute dates and study sessions, the two of them picking their way through all the messy, beautiful confusion of growing up. And when she and Justin finally have sex for the first time, Keisha is given the space to explore what physical connection looks like on her terms: The weight of her past lingers, and sheâs still learning to trust herself, set boundaries, and speak up when something feels wrong. (All the while, Justinâs parents, a successful Black couple who balance being strict and supportive, give us a window into the kind of lasting partnership we all hope forâshowing what love can look like across generations.)By now, Mara Brock Akil is known for creating impactful shows with complex Black leadsâfrom Girlfriends to Being Mary Jane and The Game. Her previous characters have always been richly layered, and Keisha is no different. Her resonance begins with her look: She doesnât wear much makeup, goes between rocking braids and her natural hair, andâin true LA fashionâwears gold loops and a nameplate necklace.Sheâs smart, funny, and has excellent taste in music. But sheâs also a people-pleaser, often quieting her own needs to keep things easy for her momâa single parent working long hours to put her daughter through school. Itâs maybe why so many adults have found themselves drawn to the series: Keishaâs story is powerful in its very familiarity. She speaks to a younger, more vulnerable version of ourselves.Akilâs ability to capture our complexities, joys, and growing pains gives her work a signature magicâthough she wasnât the only Black woman who helped to set Forever on its feet. There was also the work of costume designer Tanja Caldwell, casting director Kim Taylor Coleman, and Regina King, who serves as both executive producer and director of one episode.Just as Moesha has stood the test of timeâ29 years later, itâs still finding new audiencesâI hope Forever becomes that lasting touchstone for a new generation, a show they can grow up with and return to. Itâs not radical to ask for more stories like thisâitâs rightful.More Great Culture Stories from VogueRyan Murphy Has Finally Found His Carolyn Bessette-KennedyThe Best Books of 2025 So FarHereâs Everything You Need to Know About Adolescence, the British Netflix Drama Thatâs Quickly Gone ViralâI Didnât Want to Box Myself Inâ: On Mayhem, Lady Gaga Crafts Perfect Pop for a Chaotic WorldListen to The Run-Through with Vogue, a weekly podcast featuring the most exciting stories and hot takes from the worlds of culture, politics, sports andâof courseâfashionNever miss a Vogue moment and get unlimited digital access for just $2 $1 per month.The Vogue Runway app has expanded! 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