Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. This includes fictional characters in geeky media and creators as well. They are a prime example of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Prime Video’s A League of Their Own.
Clance Morgan
Fast Facts:
Clance Morgan (Gbemisola Ikumelo) was born and raised in Rockford, Illinois. While we don’t know much about her formative years, Clance befriended Max Chapman (Chanté Adams), and the two became inseparable. Clance later went on to wed Guy (Aaron Jennings), a restaurant worker in town.
In the A League of Their Own premiere, we see Clance accompany Max to the tryouts for the Rockford Peaches, where the latter plans to showcase her immense pitching skills. Unfortunately, the man in charge of said tryouts bars Max from giving it a go because he’s racist. On the bus ride afterward, we learn Clance is an exceptionally gifted comic book artist. (She may have been loosely based on Jackie Ormes, the first Black woman cartoonist.)
When they arrive home, Clance attempts to inch Max closer to Gary (Kendall Johnson), a mutual friend. Max is only interested in Gary helping her secure a spot on the Rockford Screws baseball team.
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Later, while at church, Clance passes out, much to the shock of everyone present. Guy believes she’s pregnant, but Clance debunks that belief, withdrawing Guy’s draft letter she kept concealed from him. After reconciling that Guy must report to basic training and fight in the war, Clance bids farewell to her husband for the time being.
Max moves in with Clance to keep the latter company while she adjusts to everyday life without Guy. She gets a job at the screw factory alongside Max. Clance eventually meets Max’s uncle, Bertie (Lea Robinson), and despite an initially chilly reception from her, she understands why Max connected with him.
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Clance wholeheartedly encourages Max’s pursuit of baseball, while Max urges Clance to submit her comics to The Defender. Clance boasts about her best friend to Esther (Andia Winslow), a pitcher for Red Wright’s All-Stars and Max’s lover (but Clance doesn’t know this). When Esther feigns an arm injury during a game, Clance supports Max’s chance to step in as the pitcher. This opportunity snags Max a spot on the team and the chance to tour with them.
After Clance and Max tearfully depart, Clance gets a new roommate for the interim. We discover Clance is pregnant, and Toni (Saidah Arrika Ekulona), Max’s mom, plans to assist her with the pregnancy. Clance keeps this a secret from Max and Guy.
The Real Deal:
Clance is the real deal. She possesses a heart bursting with love and empathy. Clance doles out that love freely to those around her. In addition, she’s steadfastly loyal to her loved ones, especially Guy and Max. Her friendship with Max is the definition of “goals.” She has Max’s back no matter what, and vice versa. While Clance doesn’t know about Max’s sexuality yet, something tells me she would still accept her best friend for who she truly is.
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Clance boasts a terrific sense of humor, frequently offering witty remarks and quips, sometimes of the self-deprecating variety. She also harbors a vivid imagination and creativity in spades, utilizing that imagination and creativity to draw breathtaking works of art with her comic book strips.
Why She Matters:
Why does she matter? Clance is a multifaceted, complex, tenacious Black woman who endures abhorrent racism that still exists today. She clings to life with strength I don’t think I could ever have. Despite that, Clance retains her warmth and effervescent personality, never allowing anyone to dull her shine. She wears her heart on her sleeve along with her sharp intellect and loves as fiercely as she laughs. And, of course, she’s an incredible artist with style for days.
RELATED: Looking for another crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week here!
So, be like Clance. Find your people, and hold them close. Love unconditionally. Be creative, and never let anyone tell you your work isn’t worth it. When possible, strut on that factory floor with your best friend while donning sunglasses because, yes, you are a badass. Oh, and always find the deeper meaning in everything. You never know when another Wizard of Oz might come along that requires metaphorical dissection.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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