Unveiling the Depths of Black Motherhood Through “Forever”
As the messages flooded into my mom group chat, their volume grew exponentially. Initially, there were just ten unread messages. Soon, the count climbed to twelve, then twenty. The questions were relentless: Which episode are you on? Have you caught up yet? When shall we discuss? And of course, the inevitable: Let’s toast with cocktails!
Our collective obsession was with Netflix’s “Forever,” a teen romance series adapted by executive producer Mara Brock Akil from Judy Blume’s 1975 novel of the same name. Brock Akil, renowned for her nuanced portrayals of Black life on television-ranging from sitcoms like “Girlfriends” and “The Game” to dramas such as “Being Mary Jane” and “Love Is __”-delivered a richly textured adaptation that brims with authentic Black experiences.
A Surprise Hit with a Deeper Message
What caught many of us off guard was how “Forever,” a story primarily centered on young love and adolescent exploration, resonated on a profound emotional level, especially for Black mothers. We, the middle-aged women, found ourselves binge-watching into the early hours, despite knowing we should be sleeping. Beneath its charming meet-cute narrative, the series concealed a powerful emotional undercurrent tailored specifically for Black maternal experiences.
Plot and Character Dynamics in a Modern Los Angeles Setting
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Los Angeles in 2018, “Forever” chronicles the lives of high schoolers Keisha (Lovie Simone) and Justin (Michael Cooper Jr.) as they navigate the tumultuous waters of first love-an experience both confusing and transformative. Yet, what sparked ongoing conversations among the women I spoke with wasn’t just the teenage romance but the portrayal of the mothers-particularly Justin’s mother, Dawn (Karen Pittman)-whose parenting style is both intense and deeply rooted in love, protection, and fear.
The Power of Dawn’s Character: A Reflection of Black Motherhood
Watching Dawn’s character unfold was like peering into a mirror-an iPhone camera lens combined with a crystal ball-revealing familiar images tinged with a touch of apprehension. Her approach to motherhood, characterized by a firm stance on her son’s safety and future, struck a chord. It prompted many of us to ask: Is this what I see when I look in the mirror? Do I sound like her?
One friend, whose son is approaching puberty, confided, “‘Forever’ hits me hard.” Another reflected on how the series exposes the paradox of Black parental aspirations-dreams for their children that can inadvertently become obstacles. Others identified with Dawn’s experience as a mother of a neurodiverse child, an athlete, or someone raising children in privilege they themselves never had. “I swear, I see myself in her,” one woman texted with conviction.
Parenting in the Spotlight: Dawn’s Firm Boundaries
In her initial scene, Dawn establishes herself as a mother who is unequivocally in charge. It’s New Year’s Eve, and Justin wants to attend a party. Dawn, along with her husband Eric (Wood Harris) and their younger son, is engaged in a family game night. Dressed in a silk robe and standing at the kitchen island, she questions Justin with the precision of a prosecutor: Was he invited? Who will be there? Where is it? Her hand slices through the air in a decisive “not gonna happen” gesture.
“With all the police shootings of Black boys, I’m supposed to just let him go?” Dawn exclaims incredulously. Justin counters that some of his privileged classmates rarely come home on weekends. Dawn retorts that most of those classmates are White, and her son is most definitely not. The conversation escalates, leading to Justin being sent to his room, where Eric offers a more measured perspective, setting conditions for Justin’s independence.
Despite the dialogue, Dawn’s boundaries remain unyielding. Her parenting style is clear: she is unwavering in her protective instincts.
Why Did We Find Her So Relatable?
It’s tempting to assume that Black mothers have always been represented on mainstream television-think Julia Baker (“Julia”), Rainbow Johnson (“Black-ish”), or Clair Huxtable (“The Cosby Show”). These characters have spanned a spectrum of social classes and personalities: single, married, widowed, working professionals, homemakers, and more. Yet, Dawn’s character feels both familiar and distinct, not merely because of her background but because of how her identity as a Black woman shapes her parenting approach in today’s America.
Sociologist Mia Brantley notes, “Characters like Dawn feel rooted in reality. They remind me of my friends, my mother, and even parts of myself as I prepare for motherhood. Her parenting reflects the complexities and challenges many Black women face.”
The Realities of Raising Black Children
Black parents, especially mothers, often grapple with issues that cannot be neatly resolved within a typical TV episode. The emotional labor, the hypervigilance, and the protective instincts are ongoing and complex. Brantley, an assistant professor at North Carolina State University specializing in Black mothering, emphasizes that these portrayals are refreshingly authentic. They depict the messiness of real conversations-about safety, identity, and future-without simplifying or sanitizing them.
Brantley’s upcoming book, “Mothering on the Defense,” explores how the persistent stress of raising Black children impacts parental well-being. Dawn’s intense concern for Justin’s safety-whether it’s about driving, staying out late, or navigating a society that often perceives Black boys as threats-is rooted in love and a desire to shield her son from harm.
Shared Experiences Among Black Mothers
Activist Brittany Packnett Cunningham, herself a mother of two, sees herself reflected in both Dawn and Justin. Growing up in St. Louis and attending predominantly White schools, her parents made deliberate efforts to instill strong Black cultural roots. Her upbringing included strict curfews and a focus on attending elite colleges-values that resonate with Dawn’s character.
Watching “Forever,” Packnett Cunningham found herself immersed in conversations about the realities of raising Black children in predominantly White environments, the adultification of Black girls, and the pride in Black romantic relationships. She shared with her husband, “This series captures so many of our everyday worries and hopes. It’s a form of healing, and I plan to watch it repeatedly until I fully absorb its messages.”
Portrayal and Reception of Dawn’s Character
Karen Pittman, who portrays Dawn, has received an outpouring of messages-both praise and critique. Many women tell her they see themselves in Dawn, appreciating her strength and vulnerability. Pittman jokes about creating a T-shirt emblazoned with “I am Dawn,” knowing her character has struck a chord among viewers.
“Even if we don’t always agree with her choices, we understand her,” Pittman explains. “I approach her with deep compassion. I know why she makes each decision-her love, her fears, her hopes. She’s a complex woman, and I relate to her on many levels.”
From Supermom to Villain: The Evolution of Dawn
Off-screen, Pittman reflects on Dawn’s layered personality. The character describes herself as having a “catastrophic parenting style,” and Pittman admits that portraying her involves balancing softness with toughness. When Justin needs a mental health day, Dawn recognizes it immediately and offers support. When he shirks college applications, she pushes him to be “undeniable.”
“She appears antagonistic, almost villainous,” Pittman admits. “But that’s a necessary role-Dawn is elbows out, assertive, and unyielding. Parenting a Black son in today’s climate demands that kind of strength. It’s a painful transition from the nurturing superhero to the perceived villain in her son’s eyes.”
Breaking Barriers in Representation
For Pittman, Dawn’s character is a breakthrough. She’s not just a supporting figure but a leading presence-embodying the strength of Black women like Michelle Obama or Ketanji Brown Jackson. Pittman appreciates the opportunity to portray a mother who is unapologetically assertive and complex, challenging stereotypes of Black motherhood as solely submissive or marginalized.
Community Reflection and Personal Connection
As Netflix announced a second season of “Forever,” my mom group gathered one evening to process the series in person. We shared our favorite characters, but Dawn’s presence was undeniable. She was among us, snacking on prosciutto and grapes, because her character embodied our shared experiences. Pittman’s goal was clear: to make us see ourselves in her, to lean into the truth of our own motherhood journeys.
“I want viewers to just lean in,” Pittman said. “Before you know it, you’ll see your own reflection.”
