For Black men, the capacity for love takes on new meaning. Through the centuries, our men have treated our women like queens, standing as providers, protectors and lovers, even in the most dire of times and circumstances.
There’s a vibrancy and uniqueness in how Black men love. Pushing through a world filled with misjudgment, they showcase their tenderness and vulnerability and an unwavering devotion that breaks stereotypes and challenges other’s narratives. These men remind us that Black love is not a monolith but, instead, forever connected in strength, resilience and joy.
Here are six TV characters forever etched in syndication that remind us that our men have an undeniable power when it comes to affairs of the heart.
6. George Jefferson, The Jeffersons
played by Sherman Hemsley
This dry-cleaning king is loud, brash and rude, but no one and nothing is going to keep him from treating his wife Louise like his queen. Married to “Weezy” before they “moved on up,” he realizes that she’s been the one to always keep him in line and support his endeavors, and in return, has offered her a life where she wouldn’t have to struggle for anything.
5. Michael Kyle, My Wife and Kids
played by Damon Wayans
He’s a support system for his day trader wife, Janet, puts up with his crazy rap-loving son and balances life with two brooding daughters, even while trying to achieve “traditional” family values. It’s the joy of everyday life for the Black family that makes us laugh along with his antics.
4. Dwayne Wayne, A Different World
played by Kadeem Hardison
Finding the path to your true love isn’t always perfectly paved. Introduced in college, not everyone expected Dwayne Wayne and Whitley’s love story to survive because they were just too different. But like a moth drawn to a flame, Dwayne pursued Whitley in full earnest, and their love story withstood differences in social class, background, opinions and beliefs. With a few minor detours on their road to love, he stood strong, making their union official by the end of the series.
3. Calvin Butler, The Neighborhood
played by Cedric the Entertainer
There are only two lady loves in Calvin Butler’s life (and one is a classic truck!). Devoted to his wife Tina, he’s always there for her, whether it’s support over her culinary dreams, their need for a new kitchen or an afternoon cuddle in semi-retirement. Their 30-plus-long dream marriage proves that a passion for love doesn’t have an expiration date.
2. Randall Pearson, This is Us
played Sterling K. Brown
He grew up with a loving family but stepped out on his own to define himself as a Black man who loved his heritage and culture. He did it with his devoted wife, Beth Pearson, and raised strong and independent Black children, all while holding onto the love he had for his estranged biological father.
1. Overton Jones, Living Single
played by John Henton
It was easy to understand why Mrs. Synclaire James-Jones swooned whenever her life partner, Overton Jones, walked into the room. He was smitten with her the moment she arrived at that Brooklyn brownstone and committed to the long haul in winning her over, showing that Black love can be silly, goofy and mainly drama-free.
