Celebrating Blackness in Film: A Reflection on Captain America: Brave New World

There’s something truly special about seeing Blackness celebrated and explored in film, especially during Black History Month. Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Captain America franchise, offers a compelling narrative that not only delves into the struggles of an American hero but also highlights the complexities of being Black in America.

The film centers on Sam Wilson, who steps into the iconic role of Captain America, a mantle previously held by Steve Rogers. Unlike his super-soldier predecessor, Sam is an ordinary man with no extraordinary powers—just his willpower, determination, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. This dynamic sets the stage for a story that explores the weight of walking in large footsteps while navigating the added layer of being a Black man in a world that often doubts and underestimates him.

Throughout the film, we see powerful motifs and imagery that resonate deeply, particularly for Black audiences. Sam’s journey mirrors the struggles many Black individuals face: the pressure to prove oneself in spaces not designed for you, the burden of representation, and the fight to overcome systemic barriers. His friendship with Joaquin Torres (the new Falcon) and Isaiah Bradley adds layers to this narrative, as they discuss their shared struggles of wanting to protect and uplift their communities while grappling with the limitations imposed on them by a society that questions their worth.

One of the most poignant aspects of the film is its exploration of Isaiah Bradley’s story, which picks up from the Falcon and the Winter Soldier series. Isaiah, a Black super-soldier, was experimented on and imprisoned for decades, only to be exonerated later. His story echoes the real-life horrors of the Tuskegee experiment, where Black soldiers were subjected to inhumane treatment without their consent. Isaiah’s pain and anger are palpable, and his journey serves as a stark reminder of the historical and ongoing injustices faced by Black Americans.

The film also highlights the resilience and triumph of Black and brown individuals in the face of adversity. It underscores our ability to unite, uplift, and create spaces for ourselves, even when the world tries to exclude us. A powerful moment in the film occurs when President Ross offers Sam the opportunity to rebuild the Avengers under the government’s control. Sam, however, is conflicted, knowing that serving a system that has historically oppressed people like him comes with its own moral complexities. This tension mirrors the real-world dilemmas many Black Americans face when deciding whether to work within systems that have perpetuated harm against their communities.

Captain America: Brave New World is more than just a superhero film—it’s a reflection of the Black experience in America. It celebrates our strength, tenacity, and ability to rise above challenges, while also acknowledging the systemic barriers that persist. As we continue to navigate our own paths, the film reminds us that we don’t need permission to create our own seats at the table—or to build entirely new tables of our own.

The future of the Avengers may be uncertain, but the message of this film is clear: Black heroes, both on and off the screen, have always been here, and their stories deserve to be told.

Still From Captain America: Brave New World