The 1990s brought us unforgettable Black movies that not only entertained but also served as reflections of personal growth, accountability, and self-awareness. These movies didn’t shy away from showing the challenges of life, love, and identity—and the empowering moments that came from facing those challenges head-on. The female characters in these films are complex, vulnerable, and resilient, offering us invaluable lessons about how we can grow and develop in our own lives. Let’s dive into some iconic 90s Black films and explore the powerful moments that remind us what it takes to show up for ourselves.
1. Waiting to Exhale (1995)
Character: Bernadine Harris (Angela Bassett)
Empowering Moment: “Get your shit, get your shit, and get out!”*
This fiery moment captures the essence of taking control and letting go of what no longer serves you. Bernadine’s realization that she deserves better is a powerful reminder that self-worth begins with walking away from toxic situations. At this age, who hasn’t recited this line a time or two?
2. Set It Off (1996)
Character: Stony Newsom (Jada Pinkett Smith)
Empowering Moment: “I ain’t thinking about five years from now. I’m just trying to get through the day.”
Stony’s words reflect the reality that many people, particularly marginalized individuals, face when the challenges of daily life are overwhelming. Planning for the distant future feels like a luxury when every day is a struggle to make ends meet. Stony takes a hard look at her life and acknowledges that survival sometimes comes at a steep cost. This moment of self-reflection, where she questions the choices she’s made, highlights the importance of accountability—understanding where we are and owning the steps we take moving forward.
3. Poetic Justice (1993)
Character: Justice (Janet Jackson)
Empowering Moment: “Love is a juice with many tastes. Some bitter, others sweet.”
Justice’s use of poetry throughout the film highlights the healing power of self-expression. Her ability to process her emotions through art is a valuable lesson in finding healthy outlets for emotional growth.
4. Love Jones (1997)
Character: Nina Mosley (Nia Long)
Empowering Moment: “All we have, darling, is right now.”
Nina’s journey teaches us about the importance of living in the moment and being open to possibilities, even when the future is uncertain. Her character reminds us that personal growth often requires us to let go of control and embrace the present.
5. Baby Boy (2001)
Character: Yvette (Taraji P. Henson)
Empowering Moment: “I love you, Jody, but I can’t let you keep disrespecting me.”
Yvette’s declaration sets a clear boundary, exemplifying the power of self-respect. Her journey reminds us that true love is built on mutual respect, and sometimes the most empowering choice is to demand better treatment from those closest to us.
What These Empowering Moments Teach Us
Each of these characters shows us that empowerment is a process rooted in personal development. Here are some key takeaways from these films that we can apply to our own lives:
- Accountability is the First Step to Growth: Like Stony in Set It Off, we must be willing to face where we are and own our actions to move forward.
- Healing Starts with Self-Awareness: Justice’s use of poetry in Poetic Justice reminds us that we must first understand our emotions to begin healing.
- Self-Expression is Essential: Finding ways to express ourselves, whether through art, journaling, or conversation, can help us release what no longer serves us.
- Boundaries Protect Our Peace: Yvette’s journey in Baby Boy shows us the importance of setting firm boundaries, even with the people we love.
- Growth Requires Letting Go: Bernadine’s fiery moment in Waiting to Exhale teaches us that sometimes we must release what no longer aligns with our values.
Final Thoughts: Embrace Growth Through Empowerment
The lessons from these 90s Black films are timeless reminders that personal growth comes from facing life’s challenges with courage and clarity. These characters show us that empowerment is not just about triumph but also about recognizing when we need to reset, reflect, and realign with our goals. By embracing accountability, self-expression, and boundaries, we can create the space we need to grow into our best selves.
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