Moesha and Her Impact On Black Youth in the '90s/2000s

The little girl in me is literally smiling thinking about Moesha and the huge impact she had on myself and I’m most certain on other Black children/young adults watching her. From her creative side as a journalist to standing up for what’s right and always speaking her mind and her truth, Moesha aka “Mo” was - and still is - considered to be everyone’s favorite homegirl from the 90’s. I remember really getting into her show when I was in middle school aka the “peak years” for every child. This is a time where you’re discovering more about yourself, and where you think you’re grown, but you’re really not. These are the years where your mom is constantly reminding you that “you’re not grown until you pay bills around the house.” 

THE MEMORIES!

Moesha Mitchell, played by r&b singer Brandy, didn’t just represent a coming-of-age show that showcased the trials and tribulations of teenage-hood; it meant way more than that. This was a show that delved into many topics that affect young adults and Black families. Her mother passed when she was 11 leaving her, her dad Frank (played by William Allen Young ) and her scheming little brother Miles (played by Marcus T. Paulk)  until her father remarried Dee (played by Sheryl Lee Ralph). It took Moesha some time to warm up to Dee and fully accept her as a new member of the Mitchell family. This definitely resonated with me because I had or knew of people who were not fully open to their widowed or divorced parent getting into a new relationship. This was a very emotional subject that hit home for many viewers.

Aside from trying to figure things out with Dee, Moesha had a rocky relationship with her father. Frank was like any father who wanted the best for his “baby girl.” He was, in Moesha’s eyes, hard on her and pretty strict when he wanted to be. He had his share of opinions when it came to her dating life, and would “young man” any guy his daughter would bring home. Moesha felt overwhelmed by her father at times. She was pretty wise for her age and knew better, but just as any teenage girl, she wanted freedom to express herself and live her own life which sometimes would stress Frank tf out! My teenage self would be upset with Frank because I wanted Mo to be her own person. She had a car and I thought anyone who had a car was “grown enough” to make their own decisions. 

The 1990s and 2000s were infamous for their natural portrayal of Black women on television. Another aspect of Moesha that Black America can appreciate is the hair! Before the 30 inch bustdowns and side parts, there was Moesha and her infamous braids. One thing was for certain, that no matter the occasion Mo was going to rock and wear tf out of her braids - rather going to a party or to prom, the braids were going to make a grand entrance. For a young Black girl seeing another Black girl on television rocking a protective style is everything. Representation matters, and if you’re going to showcase Black women or girls on television, then highlight them the real way. 

I don’t know about y’all but Kim (played by Countess Vaughn), Niecy (played by Shar Jackson), and Hakeem (played by Lamont Bentley) were my favorite on-camera best friends. They showed us healthy platonic friendships that remained solid even through the ups and downs. Kim was hilarious, sweet, and could sing her butt off. You almost forget how talented she is because she makes us laugh the majority of the time. Her quirky, ditzy personality would irritate her friends majority of the time, but that’s what made her authentically her. Niecy came from a household with a lot of siblings, and she gave older child energy. She also had a goofy personality, but was smart asf. Not to mention her loyalty was unmatched. 

I was forever rooting for Hakeem and Moesha to be together. He was her best friend, and literally everything she needed in a partner. He was loving, always there, and easy to talk to. He loved Mo and would do anything for her. I know Kim loved her some “keemy,” but I just knew he was for Moesha. He came from a single-parent household and had his share of adversity, but he was the most humble and sweetest person who did not let their misfortunes affect his down-to-earth personality. You know when that phrase that says “the love of your life can be standing right in front of you” and you didn’t realize. Mo and Hakeem had this kind of love story. We were all excited when they finally decided to date. They had their share of hardships, but we can all agree the love they had for each other was there.