Have you watched Forever on Netflix?

I love storytelling, it’s also my passion. Specifically, stories that authentically reflect Black life. That’s why I had to talk about Forever, the new Netflix series created by one of my biggest inspirations, Mara Brock Akil.

If you’ve been following me on YouTube, you may have already seen my latest Coffee and Chat episode where I break down the importance of this show. But if not:

🎥 Watch the full Coffee and Chat episode on YouTube

About Forever

Mara Brock Akil is the visionary behind shows like The Game, Love Is, Being Mary Jane and my favorite show of ALL TIME Girlfriends. In this new Netflix series, Mara adapts Judy Blume’s classic 1975 novel Forever—but reimagines it through the lens of Black teens in modern-day Los Angeles. It follows Keisha and Justin, childhood friends, who reconnect and navigate first love. It’s a teen romance, there’s tons of drama, but it goes so far beyond that.

What Stood Out to Me

One of the most powerful parts of Forever is how it amplifies the entire Black family experience. As a millennial, I especially appreciated the perspective of the parents. I can’t relate to the teenage drama anymore (thank God lol), but the storytelling allowed me to reflect from multiple standpoints.

It gave me a window into the world of Black youth today—what they’re dealing with emotionally and socially. And it made me reflect on how I want to show up in these moments as an aunt, or even a parent one day.

My favorite character is Justin’s father, played by Wood Harris. You might remember him from Paid in Full (a classic!), but he’s been in so many shows and films over the years. We love Unc! And the way he shows up in Forever is just...beautiful.

We don’t often see Black men portrayed like this: grounded, emotionally available, present. With everything going on in the media today, every other post is about a charge, a domestic abuse, a restraining order - this character was just good to see. It reminded me of the importance of storytelling that shows Black men as protectors, as nurturers, and as love-filled leaders.

The show explores real topics—mental health, grief, family dynamics, and the pressures young Black people face in both love and life. But it’s all told with a kind of softness as opposed to watching trauma that leaves you feeling drained and frustrated.

Why It Inspired Me

Mara Brock Akil has always been a huge inspiration to me as a creative. She tells stories that make you feel seen. With Forever, she created space for Black youth to feel represented—and for Black families to feel held.

It reminded me why I create: to reflect real life, to honor our complexity, and to contribute to conversations that matter.

---

Thanks for reading. Let me know if you’ve watched Forever yet, and if it moved you the way it moved me. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

With love,
P