The Gilded Age | The Black Elite | HBO

The cast and crew reflect on the history of New York’s affluent African American community and how that experience is explored with the Scott family.

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[amberimani]

Rarely do dark-skinned Black women get to see themselves portrayed in a TV show without their image being caricatured, stereotyped, or mocked in some form. Denée Benton’s role as Peggy means everything and has set this show far above other historical dramas ❤️❤️❤️

[shifragri]

As a history buff I knew there was so much material to reference for the African American characters, I was afraid that the writers wouldn’t know where to look or even fathom the lives of African Americans during the Gilded Age. Kudos to the writers and researchers.

[shaunapresents]

So glad to see Black Historian's and Executive Producer's that can bring authenticity to this part of our history. Great Job!

[lunarwize]

In the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War, there were more black senators than ever in American history. It is so wonderful to see Salli Richardson Whitfield and the other black writers and producers on the show lend their talents to bring forth aspects of American history that many are not aware of. This fuller telling of the Gilded Age (one of my favorite eras) is very satisfying. The Black elite also had their own social strata. They created wealthy communities in the Hamptons like Oak Bluffs (where the Obamas summered) and Sag Harbor Hills as well as Weeksville (now called Crown Harbor) in Brooklyn and many more elite enclaves throughout the United States despite the racial violence and unjust laws they experienced. We look forward to new episodes and wish you all continued success. 🙏🏾

[FablestoneSeries]

Instead of race swapping characters in shows, I want to see more of THIS. I want to see writers shine a flashlight into the corners of forgotten history and tell stories of POC instead of projecting white culture onto POC like Amazon is doing. This is far more fascinating and authentic.

[Meaghful]

I wish they would create a spin off of the black elite in brooklyn. Would so love to see that

[zakwinduss]

As someone who loves period drama it often feels like POC are either ignored or shoehorned in as an after thought. In this drama however the Scott family feel so authentic and naturally a part of the story. I for one had no idea about the black elite (the only other show I can think of that touches on it is Self Made about madam CJ Walker). It makes me hopeful we will see more period dramas focus on the black elite in the future.

[valentino]

Thank you HBO and everyone involved with the show for telling a story of black triumph and joy during this time! Bravo 🎉

[luvlaneyluv]

I would applaud the writers even more, if they mention Seneca Village next season. It was dismantled a few years before this series starts but it would interesting to start a conversation about it.

[XFreezerBunnyX]

Love this! Peggy is by far my favorite character. There's so many layers to her and this feature definitely sheds more light into the Black Elite, a subject that I myself wasn't too familiar with so it's wonderful to know more about this period of American history.

P.S. Aunt Agnes is hilarious and I love her power dynamic versus Bertha! ❤

[mahoganysqueeze]

On social media, I hear a lot of complaining about "modern women" and our careers, so on top of seeing a black elite family, I'm also glad to see her father want to pass his business to her and her wanting to forge her own career. People act like there weren't always a segment of women who wanted the growth, opportunities and freedoms that having a career brings.

[AWordorNinety]

Look up the Downing catering dynasty of New York. By the 1880s this Black dynasty were said to be among the wealthiest and more connected business families of the entire city. They brought the concept Oyster fine dining to New York city for the first time from the 1820s onwards. There are pictures of them, the children were educated in Europe etc.

[LiogCeartas]

I just pray that Peggy wont be a throw away character like they tend to do. You have no idea how amazing it is to see a high melanin sister and seen her portrayed in such a beautiful light! Thank you!

[v.a.]

Peggy's wardrobe, tho. Her outfits are amazing. The costume designer deserves an Oscar or Emmy!!!! I love the premise of the show and I want to see it, but I don't have HBO.

[lindiwengwevela]

"Well, why should I align myself with either party when I don't have the right to vote?" WOAH, son!
I find it ironic that an Irish housemaid was accusing Black people of coming to their their jobs when that was EXACTLY what was being said about the Irish immigrants lol.

[LaMarco]

I love this show! Black folks ARE a part of American history.

[crem-crem]

And then nightmares like the Tulsa Massacre started happening

[evermistyblu]

Kudos to the writers/creators for showcasing the Black Elite another form of the Black American Experience which most history books tend to leave out. I absolutely love Peggy’s story and it’s so refreshing to see a beautiful l/intelligent dark skin Black woman like myself in an important role. Great series!!!

[shifragri]

I also wanted to point out Lena Horne’s paternal family were very much apart of the Black Upper Middle Class in Brooklyn. I remember reading her memoir where she said the happiest memories of her childhood was when she lived with her paternal grandparents.

[medranochav]

OMG the side walk thing is so true. The amount of times white people have assumed I'd excuse myself before them is astounding when you think about the world we share today. I have to remember it's less about politeness and more about respect.