A good number of Black people have heard it in some colloquial way. “Black folk don’t …” add your own phrase. Who defines this? That is complicated and complex but worth an attempt at an explanation. In some cases, “Black folks don’t” is a statistical fact. Black folk don’t go to the doctor in the numbers they should.
In other cases, “Black folk don’t” is an anecdotal idea and concept that is based on a negative stereotype. However, stereotypes are based in truth and in some cases, these ideas are true about Black folk. Ask any waiter. Black folk don’t tip. It’s just true. But Black folk do tip their hairdressers or barbers so go figure. This web series addresses its subject in the spirit of irreverent inquiry.
Black Folks Don’t is the brainchild of director-producer Angela Tucker, whose career has been marked with creative, bold and varied social issue based projects, including feature length films, documentary and fiction shorts, web series, advocacy videos, and PSAs.
Black Folk Don’t has just launched it’s second season in New Orleans. Interviewees include MSNBC host Melissa Harris Perry, noted cultural critic Touré, and numerous local residents of varying socioeconomic backgrounds, balanced gender representation, and ages ranging 14-80. The first season of Black Folks Don’t was set in New York City, included interviews with author/comedian Baratunde Thurston, actress Yolonda Ross and other local residents, and covered subjects such as “black folk don’t” tip, go to therapy, travel, do winter sports, go to the doctor, and do yoga.
The National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) was founded in 1979 and is dedicated to developing black digital authorship and distributing unique stories of the black experience in the new media age. Since 1991 NBPC has invested more than $7 million dollars in iconic documentary productions for public television; trained, mentored and supported a diverse array of producers who create content about contemporary black experiences; and emerged as a leader in the evolving next-media landscape. NBPC distributes engaging content online at BlackPublicMedia.org, and via broadcast through its AfroPoP: The Utimate Cultural Exchange documentary series; and facilitates the community engagement project Public Media Corps (PMC).
