When it comes to superheroes, black characters can be hard to find.  While Marvel’s Black Panther demonstrated that black heroes can be vital characters with universal appeal, the examples are too few and far between. Black Lightning is The CW’s opportunity to show that they can and will do just as much, if not more, for their characters. 

The CW’s Black Lightning is unique in not only showing a functional and strong black family, but also in its portrayal of his super powered daughters, one of whom is LGBT. It has tackled real world issues as well as the fantastic and has only improved with each subsequent season. There is unlimited potential for its future. 

Unfortunately The CW has announced plans to cancel the show after the fourth season, while teasing a spin-off featuring one of the criminal antagonists of the show. When you have the opportunity to uplift and engage but instead choose to cancel and lean on narratives based on criminality, you perpetuate the very things that people have been protesting across the nation and beyond. 

We urge The CW has to do what’s right, to renew Black Lightning for a fifth season, and give it the support it deserves. It may not seem like much from Burbank, but yes, Black Heroes Matter.  Please sign and share!  Thank you!