‘Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom’ Reminds Us of Our Glory

August Wilson’s plays are important for the culture. Here’s why.

Viola Davis as Ma Rainey in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.” Photo: David Lee/Netflix

The reason why you always hear people revere August Wilson's plays is that they celebrate Blackness in a way that validates our experiences. Wilson’s plays feel familiar. Authentic. Nonstereotypical except where they do showcase stereotypes, there is a full-bodied…