In Netflix’s ‘Forever,’ a Love Letter to Black Girlhood | Vogue

Skip to main contentSearchSearchFashionBeautyCultureLivingWeddingsRunwayShoppingChevronVideoVogue ClubPhotoVogueFashionBeautyCultureLivingWeddingsRunwayMoreChevronOpen Navigation MenuMenuOpinionForever’s Love Letter to Black GirlhoodBy Krysta HawkinsMay 18, 2025Photo: Elizabeth Morris/NetflixSave this storySaveSave this storySaveWhen I was growing up in the ’90s, there were plenty of Black characters on TV, but Brandy’s Moesha Mitchell—a writer from Los Angeles who wore braids and carried a whole lot on her mind—was the one who felt like me. I was always imaginative and ambitious but didn’t know how to channel those things. I wanted to be a writer but didn’t 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 hadn’t before. It was the first time I felt seen—not 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 Netflix’s Forever has conjured a similar feeling. When I clicked play on the first episode of the series—producer and screenwriter Mara Brock Akil’s adaptation of Judy Blume’s 1975 novel of the same name—I didn’t expect to be in tears at 2 a.m. But now, it strikes me as one of the best portrayals of Black girlhood I’ve seen in a long time. (Happily, it’s already been renewed for a second season.)There aren’t 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. (We’ve 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 Rue’s story is rooted in addiction, mental illness, and survival—more reflective of an adult world than the everyday experiences of Black teens.Forever shifts the narrative, making a young Black girl’s 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. She’s 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 Justin—an old classmate, a new flame—at 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 she’s still learning to trust herself, set boundaries, and speak up when something feels wrong. (All the while, Justin’s parents, a successful Black couple who balance being strict and supportive, give us a window into the kind of lasting partnership we all hope for—showing what love can look like across generations.)By now, Mara Brock Akil is known for creating impactful shows with complex Black leads—from 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 doesn’t wear much makeup, goes between rocking braids and her natural hair, and—in true LA fashion—wears gold loops and a nameplate necklace.She’s smart, funny, and has excellent taste in music. But she’s also a people-pleaser, often quieting her own needs to keep things easy for her mom—a single parent working long hours to put her daughter through school. It’s maybe why so many adults have found themselves drawn to the series: Keisha’s story is powerful in its very familiarity. She speaks to a younger, more vulnerable version of ourselves.Akil’s ability to capture our complexities, joys, and growing pains gives her work a signature magic—though she wasn’t 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 time—29 years later, it’s still finding new audiences—I hope Forever becomes that lasting touchstone for a new generation, a show they can grow up with and return to. It’s not radical to ask for more stories like this—it’s rightful.More Great Culture Stories from VogueRyan Murphy Has Finally Found His Carolyn Bessette-KennedyThe Best Books of 2025 So FarHere’s Everything You Need to Know About Adolescence, the British Netflix Drama That’s Quickly Gone Viral“I Didn’t Want to Box Myself In”: 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 and–of course–fashionNever 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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