Sometimes I wonder if the race-centric stories need to get played out, so that the cultural narrative gets roomy enough for a Black protagonist to just be living their lives, taking their journey. Sadly, it does seem like we still need to hear the context of slavery — because we’ve tried so hard to downplay it for so long. I’ve been watching Star Trek DS9, and I have a crush on Benjamin Sisko, the commander of the station. He has a booming voice, and he makes these adorable smirks. So far (I’m in season 2) there’s been no reference to his Blackness. Granted, it’s set in the future.