5 Beautiful Ways "Supacell" Represents the Black Community

  1. Healthy and Strong Black Love Between Dionne and Michael

The relationship between Dionne (Adelayo Adedayo) and Michael (Tosin Cole) in "Supacell" stands out for its portrayal of a healthy, loving, and loyal partnership. Throughout the series, they face numerous challenges, but their bond remains unshaken. Their love is evident even during disagreements, showing a commitment to resolving issues without toxic behavior. Importantly, Dionne is a dark-skinned black woman, a significant representation as black love is often depicted with lighter-skinned women. This portrayal challenges traditional media stereotypes, celebrating the beauty of love within the black community without colorism.

2. Feminine Representation of Black Women

Dionne’s character provides a refreshing perspective on the representation of black women in media. Often depicted as strong and independent problem-solvers, black women rarely get to play the role of the "damsel in distress." In "Supacell," Michael’s primary motivation is to save Dionne after discovering the day of her death, accidentaly travelling into the future. This narrative allows Dionne to be the ultimate motivation behind the series, showing that black women can be both strong supporters and the cherished individuals that need protection and care. This challenges the "strong black woman" stereotype and adds a layer of relatability to her character.

3. Beautiful Father-Son Relationship Between Andre and TJ

The relationship between Andre and his son TJ , played by Eric Kofi-Abrefa and Ky-Mani Carty respectively, offers a heartfelt depiction of black fatherhood. Andre’s journey, marked by financial struggles and a criminal past, is driven by his desire to be a good father. This portrayal counters the stereotype of black fathers as irresponsible or absent. Despite financial hardships and conflicts with TJ’s mother, Andre’s dedication to his son highlights the importance of time, love, and effort over mere financial provision. Their relationship shows that finances are important but providing emotional and moral support and safety is the true essence of fatherhood.

4. Strong Sisterhood Between Sabrina and Sharleen

The bond between Sabrina (Nadine Mills) and Sharleen (Rayxia Ojo) is a beautiful representation of sisterhood within the black community. Their relationship is characterized by loyalty, sacrifice, and unconditional support. Sabrina's protective nature and Sharleen's unwavering loyalty are evident in moments of crisis. For instance, when Michael tries to talk to Sabrina during an argument between the sisters, Sharleen steps in to protect her sister despite their disagreement. This depiction emphasizes the strength and love inherent in sisterly bonds, showcasing how black women support and uplift each other by default but especially in times of need.

Written by Linda Gbadamosi

5. Sickle Cell Awareness

"Supacell" uniquely incorporates sickle cell anemia into its narrative, a condition that predominantly affects the black community. Rapman (Andrew Onwubolu), the creator, was inspired by real-life experiences and aimed to raise awareness about the disease. The show suggests that the characters' superpowers originate from being descendants of family members with sickle cell trait. This creative approach not only educates viewers about sickle cell but also instills a sense of pride and uniqueness in those affected. The show’s emphasis on this condition helps destigmatize it and brings much-needed attention to an often-overlooked issue.

Sickle Cell Facts

- In the UK, sickle cell disease is the most common genetic condition, affecting approximately 15,000 people.

- Around 250,000 people in the UK carry the sickle cell trait.

- Sickle cell disease primarily affects people of African or Caribbean heritage, though it can affect people from other ethnic backgrounds as well.

- It is estimated that 1 in 76 babies born in the UK carry the sickle cell trait, and 1 in 2,000 will be born with sickle cell disease.

- Sickle cell disease can cause severe pain, anemia, infections, and other serious health problems.