21st Century Black Comedy as Resistance

4.0 credits

This course examines Black comedic expression in the 21st century as a vital form of cultural critique and social commentary. We will study the work of high-profile comedians such as Dave Chappelle, Wanda Sykes, and Issa Rae, alongside emerging voices like Sam Jay, Evelyn From the Internets, and Black TikTok creators. Drawing on platforms ranging from Netflix, HBO, and Comedy Central to YouTube, TikTok, and Black Twitter, the course explores how Black comedians articulate issues related to race, gender, class, sexuality, and power. Comedy becomes both a mirror and a weapon—interrogating injustice, mocking oppression, and reclaiming narratives across mainstream stages and grassroots spaces alike.