jada stephens

Black Rom-Coms Still Spark Conversation at FAMU

March 13, 2026 7:45 pm by Jada Stephens | Staff Writer

Black romantic comedies continue to spark conversation among Florida A&M University students about what love should look like on and off screen. 

For many students, these films are more than Valentine’s Day favorites. They represent Black joy, everyday romance and a level of cultural authenticity that is not always centered in mainstream media. From classics of the 1990s and early 2000s to newer releases, students say Black rom coms still influence how they think about dating, relationships and representation today. 

Erin Hinson, a FAMU student, said she relates to Maya from Think Like a Man when it comes to dating. 

“We have similarities because I’ve liked players in the past and didn’t always know how to approach talking to them,” Hinson said. “I can see myself in how she navigated dating.” 

While she enjoys watching Black rom-coms, Hinson said she sees them as a form of comfort rather than a guide for her own relationships. 

“I was just watching ‘Stomp the Yard’ with my roommates the other day,” she said. “I loved the message. It was definitely an escape from reality.” 

She said she appreciates how many rom coms highlight meeting someone in person, especially at a time when dating apps dominate modern relationships. 

“I’ve never really been one to use dating apps,” she said. “I would rather meet someone in person and have that classic love story. When you first meet someone, you can feel if you’re going to vibe or be compatible.” 

For students interested in the entertainment industry, the conversation goes beyond personal dating experiences. T’elay Forbes said Black rom coms play an important role in cultural representation. 

“Black rom coms are important because we have our own culture, our own music, our own food and our own way of doing life,” Forbes said. “Our love stories might look different, especially because of our family dynamics and the cities we live in. Seeing that represented makes us feel like we have a voice in love too.” 

However, Forbes believes many films reinforce negative stereotypes. 

“Sometimes they reinforce the idea that Black women have to struggle for love or can’t be successful and find love at the same time,” she said. “I would like to see a story where two people meet, are genuinely happy and take care of each other.” 

Forbes also emphasized the need for better storytelling in the genre and said the lack of healthy portrayals has motivated her creatively. 

“We deserve more authentic love stories,” Forbes said. “I’m actually thinking about making a short film myself, a love story. I think people just have to take the risk and start somewhere.” 

Jazmon Baytop, another FAMU student, reflected on how Black rom coms portray conflict and commitment. Referencing The Best Man Holiday, she said many storylines normalize behavior she would not accept in her own relationship. 

“A lot of times in Black rom coms, they make big excuses for serious things like cheating,” Baytop said. “I know that’s not the ‘love story’ that I want.” 

She added that while older films reflected the reality of their time, newer films have not evolved enough. 

“Black rom coms were at their peak when they accurately reflected what Black love looked like at that time,” Baytop said. “Now the same narrative hasn’t changed, so it feels like it reinforces outdated ideas instead of showing how Black love has evolved.” 

Even with critiques, students agree that Black rom coms still matter. Whether they serve as comfort films, cultural commentary or inspiration for future filmmakers, these movies continue to spark conversation on campus about what Black love looks like and what it should become.