It’s Black History Month, and what geekier way to celebrate than to look at some of the black characters within our fandoms? These characters are pivotal to the worlds they exist in, and many paved the way for more diversity and inclusivity in the fantasy and sci-fi genres. Each of these characters has shown that representation does matter, as they all provide the black community with a place to belong in fandoms. And, just a reminder that this is not a comprehensive list. Take a look and see if your favorite characters are here!
Nyota Uhura
As the first black woman in a leading role in a television series, Lt. Uhura boldly took Star Trek: The Orginal Series to places they had never been before. In the 1960s, seeing a talented, clever, and competent black woman working on the bridge of the flagship of Starfleet inspired many little black girls. Whoopi Goldberg recounted that, as a child, when she saw Lt. Uhura for the first time, she ran through her house yelling, “Come quick! Come quick! There’s a black lady on television and she ain’t no maid!”. Goldberg would go on to play Guinan in Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Nyota Uhura was fluent in 37 languages and progressed into more leadership roles throughout her time on the Enterprise due to her skills and capability. She became the department head of communications, then commander, and then captain of her own ship, the Leondegrance. Whether this black character is being portrayed by Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek: TOS), Zoe Saldana (Star Trek movie franchise), or Celia Rose Gooding (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds), Uhura is always an example of strength.
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Geordi La Forge
Representing both the black and disabled community, Geordi La Forge is the realization of Gene Roddenberry’s dream for the future. He breaks down stereotypes of black people and those with disabilities, proving that those supposed limitations are actually strengths.
On Star Trek: The Next Generation, Geordi is intelligent and diligent, his focus on work earning him not only a spot on the Enterprise, but later, the position of Chief Engineer. He also has a quiet and calm grace even during some of the most stressful situations. Data describes him as “a true friend,” and Geordi lives up to that title, proving his loyalty to all of his friends and crewmates.
Played by the wonderful Levar Burton, his presence is both soothing and entertaining on the Enterprise. Never letting anyone change him, even when offered to have his sight restored, Geordi is a steadfast example of being confident in yourself and your place in the world.
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Tuvok
Vulcans have been considered autistic-coded characters for years. Not expressly stating a character is autistic but having many autistic traits to which the autistic community relates, autistic-coded characters are often portrayed as logical and without emotion. Showing a black Vulcan and his battle of logic versus emotions becomes an important representation of black autistics.
Where many people still think only of white boys when they hear the word autism, Tuvok (Tim Russ) on Star Trek: Voyager shines a light on the fact that autistic people come in all shapes, sizes, and races. And, if you watch Tuvok, you will see that he is not emotionless. Just as Spock and the other Vulcans let emotion leak into their logic, Tuvok shows that he cares and loves his family and the crew of Voyager.
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Lando Calrissian
As the first black character the audience sees in the Star Wars franchise, Lando Calrissian (Billy Dee Williams) plays a pivotal role in diversifying the human characters. Who knew that even among all manner of aliens, black people would still be the minority? With his smooth charm and wit, Lando was able to become successful and influential. Going from smuggling and gambling to the Baron Administrator of Cloud City, he used his skills and charisma to come out on top.
Even though he betrays his friend, Han, to protect Cloud City from the Empire, Lando ends up joining the rebels and saving the galaxy. All the while, he wears his cool signature cape. He proves that he has a good heart, and uses his cunning to trick the Dark Side.
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Black Panther
The impact of the Black Panther movie was felt worldwide, and T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) was finally given the spotlight he deserved. I mean, this man is a sexy genius, who is also the spiritual and political leader of the most technologically advanced nation on Earth. He uses his powers to care for and protect his people and their resources.
Although the burden of kingship weighs on him, T’Challa is never arrogant or power-hungry. He learns how to honor his culture, traditions, and spirituality while also growing in strength and influence as king of Wakanda and a superhero. Seeing a black superhero who is also powerful in his regular life, makes a huge difference to fans young and old. T’Challa is someone everyone can look up to as a perfect example of black power.
Miles Morales
While many Marvel superheroes are based in New York, a very small percentage of them are people of color. Yet, New York is filled to the brim with diversity! Having a “friendly neighborhood Spiderman” who is actually from your neighborhood in Brooklyn, and looks like you, makes you feel part of the Spiderverse in a way that Peter Parker can’t.
Miles Morales represents the black and Latino communities which are a large part of the make-up of New York. Not only is Miles extremely smart, but he has powers that no other Spiderman possesses. He may be an angsty teen, but that makes him even more relatable. Miles Morales is Spiderman, with black pride and power.
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Tiana
Disney’s first black princess brought the importance of representation to the mouse’s doorstep. After fans had been asking for years to have a black princess character, Disney finally gave us The Princess and the Frog, a retelling of the fairytale “The Frog Prince.” In the movie, we see the disparity between white and black people in the Jazz Era of New Orleans. No matter the obstacle, Tiana pushes through and fights for her and her dad’s dream. She will not give up.
Tiana teaches little girls that, even though life is unfair and you may be at a disadvantage, with the perfect blend of hard work and dreams, your fairytale can come true. Providing that hope for black girls and telling them that they can also be princesses is the true magic behind Tiana’s story.
Ariel (2023)
Have you seen the many videos of little girls reacting to The Little Mermaid (2023) trailer? It is some of the most wholesome content on the internet! To see a character that is known and loved, but now looks like them? The joy is palpable. Ariel is inquisitive and bright, finding ways to reach her dreams even when she has her voice and decisions taken from her.
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Those who feel as if their voices aren’t being heard can relate to this mermaid. How amazing is it then for folks to not just relate to her, but to see themselves in her? Now black girls are invited to be part of this world, just by seeing Halle Bailey portray the famous daughter of Tritan.
The 15th Doctor
Doctor Who has had black companions and other Time Lords have had regenerations who were black. Each time the Doctor is about to regenerate, fans have speculated if they would ever get a black Doctor. Now, the 15th and most recent regeneration has answered that affirmatively!
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While it is still early to know much about the 15th Doctor’s (Ncuti Gatwa) personality, we know that his appearance makes a big difference to this fandom. The 11th Doctor has even shown support for his future regeneration, saying, “he’s got something ‘other’ that that part really needs”. The 15th Doctor will bring new life and energy to the show, and we are all excited to see how he impacts the black community. Isn’t it a great time to be a Whovian?
So, black representation may seem like a small thing, but it makes a huge impact on inclusivity in our fandoms. Do you have any other black characters to add to this list? And, do you have other ideas of how geeks can celebrate Black History Month? Let us know in the comments!
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