I’ve been following Issa Rae since Awkward Black Girl. I don’t remember how I found the YouTube show, but I loved it and was eager to watch Insecure when it was picked up for not just network television, but prestige television.

In case you missed the wave that was Insecure, here’s the HBOMax synopsis: Created by and starring Issa Rae, this comedy series looks at the friendship of two modern-day black women, as well as all of their uncomfortable experiences and racy tribulations.

Insecure hefted boulders in regards to black communities in Los Angeles, specifically in Inglewood, Leimert Park, Highland Park, and Windsor Hills (check out this cool map from Curbed that highlights places where the show was filmed). Not only do you get a real look at neighborhoods that hold a lot of weight for black communities, but you’re also introduced to restaurants that actually exist. You see landmarks like Randy’s Donuts and the Forum. By the end of the show, you see Issa take part in uplifting her neighborhood through a block party that brings together black businesses and community in a celebration of culture and ingenuity.

We also see, in narrative form, the struggle of living in a place that is rapidly experiencing gentrification and how that affects housing costs and starts to make little tears in the existing community.

Last but certainly not least, Insecure highlights black people in all our shapes and colors, in all different kinds of locations from law firms to Santa Monica Beach, and from the dingbat that is The Dunes to stylish mid-century modern homes that I grew up knowing as “the houses that rich black people live in”. Just like in real life, we are not a monolith on Insecure; maybe that’s what I appreciate, more than anything.

Issa’s efforts go farther than Insecure.

The other really cool thing about Issa is how she’s brought people along with her, opening doors for others to create media that put Black Culture on the forefront and show the world who we are. Through Hoorae, Issa has developed A Black Lady Sketch Show, a show that hurt my feelings and makes me laugh at the same time with its accuracy. She also developed Rap Sh!t, a show that highlights Florida in a way that feels very similar to Insecure.

And, back in LA, Issa has actively invested in the neighborhoods that she’s filmed in, partnering with businesses like Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen. She has time and time again put her money where her mouth is, and I admire her so much for that.

Black culture has deep roots.

While some of the locations in Insecure do have legal preservation options and can be nominated on the city level. others only have the County as an option, which isn’t as great but not horrible. Some, like Inglewood, where preservation would be a perfect tool for the rapid gentrification that has been happening there, have none at all. While a preservation ordinance in Inglewood is the ideal tool, culture, heritage, and the physical spots we love can be preserved and protected by our media and our actions. Don’t just say you love a place; patron it. Don’t just say your culture is rich; engage in it. When you share it, really do that. If you’re an artist, take the time to create love letters to your home and your memories. Past legal protections, our actions act as protection.

Seriously, watch Insecure. And then watch A Black Lady Sketch Show. And then Rap Sh!t. You won’t be disappointed. Available on HBO Max.