The Classic that is My Brother and Me

Twenty-five Years ago Nickelodeon debuted My Brother and Me showcasing a middle class Black

family in Charlotte, NC and the hijinks of the two sons and daughter in the family. It's historic as it

was the first show on Nickelodeon to feature a predominately Black cast. It's definitely a product of it's

time straight 90's, from the attire to the lingo, it's funny yet looking back some aspects of it are very

very corny.

At the time of its release I simply watched the show because I enjoyed it. Looking back now I realize how important the show was to the Black community. The show is a milestone in my eyes because of course we had the Cosby's and Family Matters, but My Brother and Me was actually the first show featuring a Black family where the kids were around my age getting into shit. I could relate to some of their problems they had or even the sibling rivalry all siblings go through.

The series introduced the world to a young Amanda Seales, Kim Whitley as Ms. Pickney in one of her first roles. Vanessa Baden who is more famously known as Kyra from Kenan and Kel and Vanessa from Gullah Gullah Island made her debut on the show. Pro wrestler Kenny King made his TV debut on an episode as a cool kid from L.A.

                                              

The show was also unapologetically Black when that necessarily wasn't the norm. The dialogue,

the opening credits. The way the characters talked, little nods to Black culture on the sets

such as the Greek memorabilia in the Parker's living room. The father with the corny jokes or

long ass stories which we've all experienced and I'm worried I may grow into.

It contained so much authenticity for the culture, it's beyond a crime it didn't last longer.

Who can forget classic episodes such as Dee Dee getting bullied and the famous line "Hit Me",
basketball tryouts and the famous "Goo Punch" scene we all sung along to, wishing

we were shilling our own product Dee Dee being very impressionable in an attempt to be cool

getting a wild haircut.  Life lesson episodes such as stepping out of your

comfort zone in the Robin Hood episode.

If for some reason you have never seen it, do yourself a favor and check out the clips on YouTube or

buy the dvd of the show you'll thank yourself later,

My Brother and Me only lasted one season but has left a legacy for a lifetime.