Our Kind of People

Our Kind of People is an American drama television series that aired on FOX in 2021. The show is inspired by Lawrence Otis Graham's critically praised book, "Our Kind of People: Inside America's Black Upper Class." United by their inherent aspirations, dreams, trials, and triumphs, the plot fosters an engaging narrative that sheds light on the somewhat hidden world of America's Black elite class. The series offers an in-depth portrayal of an often overlooked stratum of society, with a unique perspective on an African American community largely shrouded in privacy and discretion.

The show is set against the opulent backdrop of Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard, a historical stronghold where the rich and powerful Black elite have come to play for over 50 years. Angela Vaughn, our central character, arrives in this setting with her teenage daughter. The unexpected death of Angela's mother forces her to return to this community that her family was previously a part of and rediscover her familial roots. Considered an outsider by many, Angela is determined to forge her path in this social circle with resilience and grit.

Angela Vaughn, played by Yaya DaCosta, is an accomplished, resilient woman with a strong sense of self and purpose. She is an entrepreneur determined to make her mark with a revolutionary haircare line that pays tribute to her mother's legacy. As Angela tries to infiltrate the elite society, she is forced to face many challenges and uncomfortable truths about her family's past.

Her character introduces us to the powerful Franklin Dupont and his family, played by Morris Chestnut. The Dupont family, on the other hand, is the epitome of the Black upper class in Martha's Vineyard. They're successful, ambitious, and guarded about their status and reputation. The stark contrast between the two families creates a riveting dynamic that forms the basis of many plot lines throughout the series.

The show explores themes of identity, ties on race, class, and how these elements constantly intertwine in shaping the course of one's life and destiny. A tale of power, politics, love and the relentless pursuit of success. It provides a fresh explication on the complexity and diversity of African American life, dismantling ongoing stereotypes and succumbing to a more nuanced representation.

Further enhancing the visual feast is an assortment of impressive wardrobe selections that aptly reflect the class and style associated with the setting. The combination of vibrant African prints with modern silhouettes creates an eye-catching celebration of cultural heritage and fashionable extravagance.

Designed for audiences who appreciate intricate family dramas, the show is sure to grip viewers with various unexpected twists and emotional story arcs. Moreover, the series celebrates black culture, heritage, and music, interspersed with powerful Afrocentric anthems. The inclusion of African Proverbs at the start of the episodes to set the tone is a touch hard to miss.

Karim Zreik, Lee Daniels, Pam Williams, Marc Velez, Claire Brown are credited as executive producers. Although the series faced some criticism for its portrayals, it also garnered substantial attention for its daring approach to topics of class, race, and social hierarchy within its storyline.

Through its unique portrayal of the intricate dynamics of the Black elite community, the series Our Kind of People makes a profound statement about longevity, legacy, and the power of resilience. By fostering candid and bold conversations about race, class, and social mobility, this TV series opens up a dialogue that many viewers can resonate with, while illuminating the space where hard-earned success, ambition, and societal pressures intersect in modern Black America.

In summary, Our Kind of People is an impressive narrative that successfully interweaves family drama, vibrant culture, entrepreneurial passion, and class politics. Within it's engaging plot and well-drawn characters, it stands as a promising chapter in the television landscape, shedding light on narratives that deserve more attention. The show is certainly worth a watch. It's a fresh, engaging, and enriching deviation from traditional prime-time storytelling, representing an untold slice of American society.