Hulu is set to release a three-part docuseries, “Black Twitter: A People’s History”, based on Jason Parham’s WIRED article of the same name. The series will explore the rise, movements, voices, and memes that made Black Twitter a dominant force in American political and cultural life.
The first episode will focus on the early days of Black Twitter, from 2008 to 2012, when users like Ashley Weatherspoon and CaShawn Thompson created viral hashtags like #UKnowUrBlackWhen and #TwitterAfterDark. It was a time when Black users were “bodying it,” making their presence known and creating a community.
The second episode will delve into how Black Twitter became a force for social change, with movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #OscarsSoWhite. The series will also explore the role of Black Twitter in breaking news, such as the death of Michael Jackson, and its impact on entertainment, including the live-tweeting phenomenon sparked by “Scandal.”
The series will also address the backlash and cultural appropriation faced by Black Twitter. Users like April Reign and Tracy Clayton discuss how their online presence drew unwanted attention, with their content being co-opted and their experiences dismissed.
“Black Twitter: A People’s History” will feature a diverse range of voices, including journalists, academics, comedians, and members of the Black Twitter community. It will look at how Black Twitter became a level playing field, a “cookout where we’re all cousins,” and a space where Black Americans could galvanize and exert their influence.
The docuseries, directed by Prentice Penny, premiered at SXSW on March 8, 2024, and will be available to stream on Hulu starting May 9, 2024.
