We’ve come a long way for Black female characters since Uhura first showed up on Star Trek in the 1960s. While we still have ways to go, we’ve made progress in representation, something I’m proud of as a Black woman myself. So why not celebrate? Here’s a list of fabulous Black female characters we all know and love.
1. Claire Temple
When Claire first showed up in Marvel’s 2015 Daredevil writes, I immediately fell in love with her. Superheroes need nurses, after all, but they especially need ones who are matter-of-fact—and that fits Claire to a T. Plus she’s saving people’s lives all the time and does it off the job. If it weren’t for her, Matt Murdock (and many others, but especially Matt) would’ve been dead a long time ago (and yay for Afro-Latina rep!) Claire is a superhero in her own right, saving people who save others (and being great while she does it).
2. Raven Baxter
Like many kids born in the late 90s, That’s So Raven was one of the first Black shows I grew up on—and it wasn’t strictly a “Black” show. While a few episodes touched on race and other issues, it was overall about the pitfalls and shenanigans of Raven Baxter, a sassy, stylish, and sometimes reckless teenager with psychic abilities. She got to go through the typical downfalls of teenage life (alongside being a secret psychic), and she was always a Jo to watch on screen. I still quote Raven to this day, and her wardrobe is something to be envied.
3. Michelle “MJ” Jones
The MCU may have redone Mary Jane’s character, but Zendaya’s MJ still contains many of the traits we love in her: snarky, sassy, and confident. And with an added twist, this MJ is more socially aware and learns to break out of her shell, opening up to people and making friends. We love to see it.
4. Whitley Gilbert
A Different World really was a special show for 80s kids, especially those going to historically black colleges and universities (HBCU). But none of us were prepared when rich and pampered Whitley Gilbert hit the screens. An 80s Black version of London Tipton (but not so dumb) Whitley knew she was all that and acted and dressed like it. Not only that, but she underwent character development. (And I’d be remiss not to mention her epic romance with Dwayne Wayne is unforgettable.
5. Okoye
All the Black Panther women are awesome, but Okoye deserves a special spot because of how awesome she is. She’s got a dry sense of humor, no no-nonsense attitude, and is fully dedicated to protecting Wakanda. It’s refreshing to see a character like her on screen, and I’m thrilled by the way they’ve portrayed her.
6. Ariel (Halle Bailey)
What can I say about my favorite Disney princess and mermaid? She’s curious, stubborn, open-minded, and romantic, just to name a few adjectives to describe her. The remake focuses a bit more on her love of the human world than romance, but she still retains her animated counterpart’s personality. Ariel’s childlike view of the world means every day is a new day to discover something, and I’ve always loved that about her.
Who are some of your favorite Black female characters in media? Let us know in the comments below!
Image by Nicole Berro from Pexels
