Prentice Penny On Directing His First Documentary, Black Twitter's Influence

Black Twitter is truly a cultural phenomenon, and although we try to describe it, it transcends any definition that can be used. No one really knows when it was coined "Black Twitter" but once you mention the name, everyone knows what group you are referring to.

If you want to know if a new TV show or movie is good, you'll learn about it from Black Twitter. If you want to know "our" thoughts on the current political landscape, you'll get a deep understanding from Black Twitter. If you want to know what has been the latest injustice against "our" people, you will be directed by Black Twitter. Even when Elon Musk changed the platform's name, Black Twitter is still Black Twitter.

But, if you are living under a rock and never heard of "Black Twitter" or want to learn more about it, Onyx Collective's new documentary Black Twitter: A People's History is a must-watch.

Based on Jason Parham's groundbreaking WIRED article A People's History of Black Twitter, this series charts the movements, voices and memes that have made Black Twitter a dominant cultural force in America. It also explores the influential power of the online community that redefined digital discourse.

Prentice Penny, known for his work on hit shows like Insecure and Uncorked, directed the three-part series marking his first time directing a documentary. It also features prominent voices form the Black Twitter community such as stand-up comic W. Kamau Bell, media personality Kid Fury, journalists Jemele Hill, authors Roxane Gay and Luvvie Ajayi, and trans activist Raquel Willis to name a few. 

In a recent interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, Penny shared insights into the journey of directing this documentary and the distinct approach required to tell the story of a multifaceted online community. He noted that while directing scripted TV and films allows for creative imagination, portraying a real subject like Black Twitter required an entirely different level of care. "To me, there's a different level of honesty that's needed," Penny explained, emphasizing the importance of authenticity when discussing a community known for its vocal and critical stance on the portrayal of Black Twitter itself.

The documentary's foundation lies in the narrative that Penny wanted to convey, which he likened to a coming-of-age story. He said, "Black Twitter was having fun finding each other, and then Trayvon Martin's case was a pivotal moment when the community realized the real stakes at hand." He likened it to Luke Skywalker's realization after Obi-Wan's death, where Black Twitter had to decide whether to rise to the occasion or remain silent. Penny highlighted how Black Twitter rallied and transformed into a cohesive force, shaping social and political conversations around the world.

Penny acknowledged President Obama's 2008 election as a turning point in realizing the gravity of Twitter's influence. He recalled the diverse discussions surrounding the election and the falsehoods that some voices were spreading about Obama's citizenship, revealing the platform's potential for impact. "I realized this was more than just finding out about sports," Penny said. He further emphasized that Black Twitter uniquely positioned itself to not only share information but also engage in communication between creators and followers. Penny recalled the tons of engagement he received when discussing Insecure, where he witnessed firsthand the power of this online community.

When asked why the creative brilliance behind Black Twitter hasn't been channeled into a dedicated Black-owned platform, Penny discussed the complexities involved. He referenced W. Kamau Bell's observation in the documentary that "Black people like doing our own thing, but we also like being part of the mainstream conversation too." Twitter offered that unique intersection, where Black Twitter’s influence could no longer be ignored. "You couldn't open the app and ignore what was trending anymore because we were dictating it," Penny noted.

Check out the full interview below where Penny shares more about the purpose of the documentary and who he believes is the most memeable celebrity on Twitter.

Black Twitter: A People's History hits Hulu tomorrow!

Photo Credit: Hulu