In Netflix’s drama Forever, creator Mara Brock Akil reimagines Judy Blume’s 1975 novel through a fresh, emotionally rich lens centered on Black teens, Black families, and Black love—set in 2018 Los Angeles. Starring Lovie Simone as Keisha and Michael Cooper Jr. as Justin, the series is a soulful, grounded coming-of-age story that blends romance, music, and memory in all the right ways.
Ahead of the show’s May 8 premiere, I sat down with the visionary herself, Mara Brock Akil, for an intimate conversation about the heart behind the series. As a proud Howard alum, I was especially excited to ask why she chose Howard University to be such a central part of Keisha’s identity—even before Keisha got in. We also talked about how music shaped the emotional rhythm of the series, why the love between parents (played beautifully by Karen Pittman and Wood Harris) was just as important as the one between teens, and how Forever taps into first love without relying on trauma.
This interview is for anyone who remembers their first love—or is still learning what love can really look like when it’s rooted in support, honesty, and joy.
Watch my full conversation with Mara Brock Akil below—and get ready to feel all the feels.