While the spotlight has focused on African-American narratives, one community remains underrepresented—Afro-Caribbean Americans, Canadians, and British. While mainstream media broadly acknowledges African American experiences, it sidelines the distinct histories of Afro-Caribbean communities. Mainstream cinema also overlooks their languages and contributions. It is time to ask why the Caribbean, with its rich cultural history, deserves more visibility on the global stage.
A Tapestry of Cultures
The Caribbean is a mosaic of cultures shaped by Indigenous people, West Indian, and European influences. Migration, colonialism, revolution, and independence mark the region’s complex history, which has produced an extraordinary blend of people, languages, music, fashion, and traditions. The Afro-Caribbean community is incredibly diverse, with roots spanning various countries (e.g., Jamaica, Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Dominican Republic, and more) and languages (Patois, Spanish, French, and Creole).
Caribbean cultural influence in the United States can be traced back to the early 1900s. During this period, large numbers of Caribbean migrants began arriving in search of work opportunities. They particularly sought work in healthcare, agriculture, and, most importantly, the construction of the Panama Canal. Many settled in cultural hubs in North America and the UK. Today, most Black immigrants in the U.S. are from the Caribbean, further shaping the cultural landscapes of the countries in the West.
African-American Cinema
While African-American and Black-British voices have achieved significant visibility in mainstream cinema, Afro-Caribbean communities remain slightly overlooked. In American films, Afro-Caribbeans are frequently cast in supporting roles, often portrayed within the broader context of African American experiences. The underrepresentation of Afro-Caribbean people leads to a generalized and oversimplified depiction of the African Diaspora. This portrayal fails to capture the unique experiences and identities within the Afro-Caribbean community.
There is also a growing presence of Afro-Caribbean actors portraying characters reflecting their identity. However, the lack of nuanced storylines is limiting. This limitation restricts the audience from exploring what it means to be Afro-Caribbean in the Western Hemisphere. Afro-Caribbeans and African Americans share similar racial and cultural backgrounds. However, they have distinct histories. Their languages and identities set them apart. Afro-Caribbeans have unique migration narratives, cultural practices, and social experiences in North America and the UK.
The Global Influence of Caribbean Culture
As the film and television industries evolve, it is clear that there is a growing appetite for Caribbean narratives. Afro-Caribbean stories are breaking through in television and film, offering a new lens to explore the Afro-Caribbean experience. Afro-Caribbean filmmakers and storytellers are carving out their place in cinema and television and using their lens to showcase the multifaceted identity of Afro-Caribbean people. A few key projects are leading the way in bringing the Afro-Caribbean stories to the screen. These projects explore themes through music, identity, and migration. These works include Bob Marley’s One Love, Queenie, Black Cake, and The Porter. They lay the groundwork for more inclusive Afro-Caribbean representation.
Bob Marley: One Love
Bob Marley: One Love is a biographical drama and musical about the legendary Jamaican musician. Marley is known for his profound impact on music, culture, and social justice. His story offers an unparalleled glimpse into the intersection of music and activism in Caribbean culture.
Queenie
Queenie is a drama series based on Candice Carty-Williams’ novel. It follows Queenie, a mid-20s Jamaican-British woman living in South London. Initially a social media assistant for The Daily Read, she discovers her passion as a videographer documenting her family’s history. The series explores her journey of personal growth, love, and identity. Giving light to the challenges faced by the Caribbean-British community and the diaspora experience.
Black Cake
Black Cake is a drama series that explores a Jamaican woman’s journey from Portland-Parish, Jamaica, to Southern California. Based on Charmaine Wilkerson’s novel, the series follows the life of Eleanor. After her death, her twins uncover family secrets and learn about her experience as an immigrant in the UK, revealing a past she kept hidden from them. The story of Black Cake weaves together themes of love, family, history, migration, and identity. The acclaimed show was cancelled just months after its first season, leaving fans disappointed that a series fought over by two major streaming platforms ended with so much more to unravel.
The Porter
Canada’s first series was led and run entirely by Black creators. A true historical drama of Black railway porters with Caribbean heritage in North America during the 1920s. The series highlights a pivotal chapter in Canadian Black history. Despite its strong cast and compelling narrative, the show was discontinued after its first season. This happened due to difficulties securing cross-border co-production deals.
Caribbean communities worldwide deserve to see their history and heritage represented authentically in the media. This includes those in the United States, Canada, the UK, and elsewhere. Representation matters for millions of people of Caribbean descent—not just for visibility. Caribbean audiences, seeing their culture, stories, and experiences reflected in the media with authenticity and depth, foster recognition and pride. It also strengthens the global understanding of the Caribbean’s vast history and cultural and economic contributions.
Representation is not just for the sake of diversity. It is about telling stories that are inherently universal but shaped by specific people and their unique histories. These stories are not merely cultural curiosities but would allow audiences to understand more of the Caribbean diaspora. As the tide slowly changes, filmmakers, actors, and creatives from the Afro-Caribbean community actively work in mainstream and independent cinema. Storytellers of Caribbean descent are making their mark in the industry. They share the challenges and successes of Afro-Caribbeans in North America and the UK. However, to fully lead these stories, they need more opportunities and financial support to bring their ideas to life.
Many Afro-Caribbean perspectives on history remain untold. Genres like documentaries, romance, comedy, action, and mystery need Afro-Caribbean narratives. These stories are deeply rooted in the Afro-Caribbean experience today. They are neglected mainly in North American and UK cinema and television. We can offer fresh perspectives by bringing these untold stories to the forefront. These perspectives celebrate the Afro-Caribbean community’s diverse identities, cultures, and experiences. Giving them the visibility they deserve in contemporary media.