A Deeper Look Into Historical References Found In Lovecraft Country

Photo Source: Lovecraft HBO

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After learning that HBO had canceled the hit sci-fi-fantasy-thriller series, Lovecraft Country, and decided not to move forward with season 2, I've experienced every emotion you could possibly think of: rage, sorrow, and a sense of honor (to have ever experienced such an incredible body of work.)

Lovecraft Country had been the first show in a long time that had completely enthralled me. It was the kind of addicting show that could cause you and your spouse to stay up until 5:00 AM and completely disregard the fact that you both have work early in the morning (don't judge us.)

For those who don't know—if there's anyone out there who's been totally ignoring television/film culture—the show was based on Matt Ruff's novel of the same title. The HBO series, by showrunner Misha Green, is set in the Jim Crow Era and follows a young black man who journeys out on a road trip with his uncle and female friend and finds out he's the last living heir of a powerful warlock—a white slave owner who impregnated one of his ancestors. It effortlessly combines history, entertainment, and thought-provoking concepts, storylines, and characters to introduce viewers to a whole new (horrifying) world.

I honestly believe viewers of the show were privileged to witness such profound writers, actors, producers, and directors come together to craft such an awe-inspiring creation. So, I wanted to highlight a few of the historical, symbolic references found in the series. With that being said, follow along and click on the hyperlinks to adventure on an educational history lesson that pays homage to Lovecraft Country and those who bore the weight of survival during these tortuous times in America.

• Sun Down Town: Black Past goes over the definition of a "Sun Down Town" and the consequences Blacks faced if they were found hanging around in these areas at night. It also includes the importance of "The Negro-Motorist Green Book," a must have for Black travelers. This was similar to Uncle George's "Safe Negro Travel Guide" in the series.

• The Murder of Emmett Till: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution thoroughly details Emmett Till's life from child to teenager and offers a respectful and compassionate approach on the facts of his brutal murder, court case, and the effects of his sudden death on the Civil Rights Movement. It even goes into the correlation between the reverberations of Till's death and the police killing of George Floyd.

• The “Picaninny” Caricature: This is an in-depth and well-researched article from Ferris State University's Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia. The museum gives an intellectual account with background information on the origination of the term, what the term falsely embodies, and references art and literature pieces built on this derogatory character.

• Topsy Turvy Dolls: Iowa's African American Museum pictures an authentic Topsy Turvy doll and details scholars' beliefs on the original purpose of the toy. It articulately provides claims and helps readers understand why this doll may have been hand stitched by enslaved women in the first place.

While there's so many more symbolic historical references we could name from Lovecraft Country, I feel these are the major ones that deserve our full attention and research to further learn about and honor our history.

After reading each of these articles, which piece of information would you say was the most interesting or baffling to read about? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to spread these on to everyone in your circle!