African-American Television Writers: Breaking Barriers & Creating History

More Ground Breakers: The ’70s, ’80s & Beyond
Another early cadre of African-American TV writers shot to the top in the ’70s, ’80s and early ’90s, paving the way for folks today: Ralph Farquhar (“Happy Days,” “Fame,” “Married With Children,” “Moesha” and “The Sinbad Show,” to name a few); Matt Robinson (“Sesame Street,” “The Cosby Show,” “Amazing Grace”); Thad Mumford (“That’s My Mama,” “Maude,” “MASH,” “A Different World”); Bill Boulware (“227,” “Benson,” “He’s the Mayor,” “New Attitude”); Daryl Nickens (“Webster,” “227”); Susan Fales (“A Different World,” “Linc’s”), and  Samm-Art Williams (“Franks Place,” “Fresh Prince,” “Hanging with Mr. Cooper”). These writers are all important pioneers who paved the difficult road we still tread on the path to increasing television diversity.

Olu Gittens is a writer and filmmaker based in New York City. You can see her web series “CHOICES”” at ohgeeproductions.com.