Netflix’s 'Selling Tampa' and the Power of Representation

By: Ashley N. Rosa

February is a month filled with celebration, inspiration, and recognizing the accomplishments of the black community. The United States, Canada, and Germany devote this month to raise awareness with regards to all their great achievements, contributions, and their major part in history. “Black history is American History” and activists, legislators, and civil rights pioneers are honored and remembered during this month across America.

The History of Black History Month

In 1926 the idea, need and want to honor African Americans was brought forth, but it wasn’t until 1976 that “Black History Month” became official. The month of February was chosen to correspond with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Fedrick Douglass. President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 whilst Fedrick Douglas was an American social reformer, writer, and abolitionist.

Every year a theme is chosen to highlight the African Americans’ contributions to their country. This year’s theme surrounds the health and wellness of the black community. According to the Association for the study of African American life and history (ASALH) "the 2022 theme considers activities, rituals, and initiatives that black communities have done to be well". Having a well-balanced life has become a major theme in the American lifestyle in the past few years.

The Glam and Charm of Biracial Patrons

The Tampa Bay area has grown to outstanding new heights. One of the hottest real estate markets right now is Tampa, Florida. Zillow recognizes Tampa as one of the top housing markets for 2022. Due to Tampa’s new buzz, Netflix developed a series called, ‘Selling Tampa’. This series highlights Tampa’s luxury real estate with a leading cast of biracial businesswomen. The new local series follows the businesswomen of Allure Realty as they show the best of Tampa in stunning outfits. The women on this show represent the strong powerful black woman.

The show emphasizes demonstrating the diverse cultural background and history Tampa Bay has to offer. One of the significant places they featured in the show is Perry Harvey Park, more commonly known as the central avenue business district. The central avenue business district was home to the largest African American population in Tampa. Nearly one hundred black-owned businesses lined the central avenue back in the day.

The Power of Representation

Watching black women come together to build a successful and strong business is worth celebrating. This is what black history month is all about- celebrating and honoring the hard work and legacy of the black community. The ladies on this show symbolize what minorities and women are fighting for across the globe. Representation

is key when it comes to inspiring our future heroes. In an interview with Elle magazine the owner of Allure Realty, Rashelle Rosado, went in-depth as to why she wanted to have a biracial real estate brokerage. Rosado stated, “if I can do it, other women can do it. [Women] that looked like me or looked like my mom, looked like my daughter. So the thing about it is you have to lead by example. And the only way we can show is by doing it. People are looking at us. Let's lead by example”. Rashelle Rosado and the rest of the cast are the embodiment of the importance of inclusion and representation. Through laughter, tears, unity, style, and selling homes they have shown that anything is possible.

Selling Tampa has definitely inspired their audience and made them feel included. Many of their fans have taken to Twitter to show their support. Black history month is all about coming together and celebrating each other. Acknowledging the black community’s strength, resilience, perseverance, and supporting them is of great importance.

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