Prentice Penny, the director and producer of the three-part Hulu docuseries “Black Twitter: A People’s History,” is deeply invested in documenting the social media phenomenon. He believes that capturing the story of Black Twitter is essential, especially in a time where history is being rewritten and platforms like Twitter/X can be here today and gone tomorrow. Penny is concerned about the potential erasure of Black Twitter and views the docuseries as a way to preserve and tell its story as it unfolds.
Inspired by Wired journalist Jason Parham’s 2021 series “A People’s History of Black Twitter,” the docuseries takes an oral history approach and features prominent figures from the platform. These individuals, including Luvvie Ajayi, Jemele Hill, and Van Lathan, share their insights and experiences on Black Twitter, covering a range of topics such as Black identity, LGBTQIA issues, and significant events like Barack Obama’s election and George Floyd’s murder. The series uses memes, gifs, and other engaging tools to recreate the spirit of Black Twitter and offer a deeper exploration of its impact.
Filming for the docuseries changed with the unexpected sale of Twitter to billionaire Elon Musk, who later rebranded it as X. Penny acknowledged the negative implications of this change for the platform but emphasized how it solidified the importance of documenting Black Twitter’s history. Despite early criticism about the series’ focus and voices represented, Penny remained unfazed. He recognized the skepticism surrounding Black cultural narratives and highlighted the current opportunities for Black creatives in the entertainment industry to shape and share their stories.
The docuseries premiered at SXSW in March, with Black Twitter reacting in typical fashion – with both support and skepticism. Penny acknowledged this response, noting that it reflects the community’s deep connection to and protectiveness over their cultural narratives. He expressed his belief that this is a significant moment for Black creatives in the industry, citing the progress from the limited representation exemplified by Spike Lee to the diverse voices now shaping and dictating their stories. As for the future of documenting Black Twitter, Penny indicated that it would depend on how this series is received by the community.
In conclusion, Prentice Penny’s “Black Twitter: A People’s History” docuseries serves as a timely and important exploration of the impact and significance of Black Twitter within the broader cultural landscape. By capturing the voices and experiences of prominent figures from the platform, the series aims to preserve the story of Black Twitter and celebrate its influence on society. Despite challenges and criticisms, Penny remains dedicated to sharing these narratives and continuing to uplift Black voices within the entertainment industry.
