African Americans in Television: 22 Important Personalities and Programs

African Americans have made an indelible imprint on every aspect of television in America. African American actors, directors, producers, newsmen and women, and innovators have contributed their talents since television began. They have entertained, enlightened, and inspired television audiences of all backgrounds for decades. Here is a short, concise list of just a few of the many African American television personalities and programs which have touched viewers lives over the years. If it interests you, discover more names in front of and behind the camera for yourself!

CHANGING THE MEDIUM

Oprah Winfrey. Few TV personalities – can you think of one? – in contemporary America have the influence of Oprah. She says buy, people buy. She says donate, people donate. Oprah’s best move was perhaps turning away from tabloid TV and turning towards covering everything from self-improvement to entertainment to social justice with intelligence and heart. Over the years, she has covered just about every topic under the sun, shared her own story and her revealed her personal philosophies on the meaning of life. She changed the talk format and grew an empire in the process. Love her or think she’s too much, you can’t deny her importance. Oprah has become one of the most powerful people in American media, African American, female, or otherwise.