For many readers, fantasy fiction offers an escape from the real world and its problems. It's a genre that allows readers to explore different cultures and worlds, and to imagine what life could be like in alternate universes. But while fantasy fiction often includes strong female characters, they are often white. In recent years, however, there has been a push to diversify the genre and to include more strong black women characters but not necessarily as protagonists.
In a genre where racism and sexism are still unfortunately all too common, strong black women protagonists provide an inspiring example of what we can achieve if we dared to dream big and fight for what's right. It's no secret that black women are often underrepresented in fiction, and fantasy fiction is no exception. While there are many strong black women characters in fantasy fiction, they are often overshadowed by their white counterparts or are sidekicks.
Strong black women have been a staple in fantasy fiction for years. They are often the unsung heroes of the story, but their role has just been as side characters. Why is it extremely important to see more strong black women as protagonists?
Reasons Why We Need More Strong Black Female Protagonists in Fantasy Fiction
There are many reasons why it is important to have strong black woman protagonists in fantasy fiction novels:
Ultimately, strong black women in fantasy fiction play an important role in helping to diversify the genre and making it more inclusive for everyone. In fact, reading strong black women protagonists in fantasy fiction such as powerful warriors, skilled sorceresses or wise advisors provide positive representation for black women and girls.
What’s My Point?
There's a long-standing debate in the fantasy fiction community about how strong black women differ from other women in the genre. Some believe that they're simply more muscular and physically powerful than their white counterparts, while others argue that they're also more mentally and emotionally strong.
We often see strong black women portrayed as cold, unyielding and often heartless. In truth, Black women are the mothers, the aunts, the guardians who raise us and protect us from harm. They are also warriors, queens, earth mothers, and sorceresses.
Sharing these strong black women in fantasy fiction, levels the playing field and shows a balanced view. Strong Black female protagonists can be presented as powerful figures who we can learn from and identify with…
Whatever your opinion on the matter, there's no denying that strong black women protagonists are an important part of fantasy fiction. They provide a much-needed representation of diversity in a genre that has often been accused of being too white and male-dominated.
Here is a list of some of the most powerful black women protagonists in fantasy fiction:
If you enjoyed this blog post, you might also enjoy these:
Five Black Women Superheroines
10 Black Women SciFi and Fantasy Authors
Six Black Warrior Women in SciFi and Fantasy
Africana Womanism in Lovecraft Country
I’m author Alicia McCalla. Sign-up for my newsletter to get updates, learn about my latest projects and purchase my Sistas with Skills, Swords, and Superpowers Stories and Merchandise!
Greetings!
I am an author who often places strong Black women in his writings. I would love to get your review of my novel Cluth’s Call because of it's three dynamic female characters.
Hey Gavin! Thanks for posting. I'm in the middle of several projects at the moment but send a review request through my contact me form and I'll see what my calendar looks like.