Over the last forty years, television and film has given us iconic characters. Certain lists highlight these iconic characters of all time, but very few of these list highlight Black characters, let alone Black femme characters. If they do, they’re often stereotypical and negative depictions of Black women. Black characters are rarely given their flowers for the impact that they’ve had on young Black girls and Black women.
2024 has taught us that while Black women continue to break barriers in many industries and fields: television and film will be the main ones highlighted, we continue to be ignored, disregarded and disrespected. We go beyond our limits, and it’s never enough. We fight for our rights and the rights of other marginalized groups, and we’re still ignored. Not anymore! From here on out, we will make our voices heard for ourselves and give each other the flowers that we deserve.
Honoring ourselves is the best gift that we can give ourselves. We support, and uplift each other rather than using our energy for others who don’t reciprocate. We give each our respected flowers. Here, I’ll give each iconic Black female character her flowers and honor every icon from cartoon to live-action, and give her the love that she deserves.
The List
Suzie Carmichael: ´Rugrats’
I couldn’t start off this list without naming the most iconic cartoon character ever. Suzie Carmichael was a voice for young Black girls, every where. She taught Black girls how to stand up for themselves against bullies. She was intelligent, and very well-spoken. Do you know any other three year old that can speak French? I think not.
Suzie came from a upper middle class family: her mom is a doctor, and her dad is a TV writer. She’s also well-mannered, and a great singer. She had it all! She’s an inspiration to Black girls every where. Not only could they achieve anything that they set their mind to, but she also encouraged them to speak up for those who couldn’t speak up for themselves. Suzie Carmichael, we love you!
Added Bonus: She’s voiced by Cree Summer, whose voiced many characters in our childhoods!
Numbuh Five, AKA Abigail Lincoln: ´KND’
Speaking of Cree Summer…. Numbuh Five has entered the chat! She’s cool, intelligent, and laid-back. She’s got it all. Not only is she the smartest on her team, but she’s one of the smartest students at her elementary school. It’s not something that we see often with young Black girl characters.
Most importantly, unlike most young Black female characters, she’s allowed to be a kid instead of being adultified. She likes candy, ice cream, and has little kid behaviors such as not knowing where babies come from, etc. She’s also given space to not always dress in a more feminine style; instead, she wears tuxes. Numbuh Five, signing out!
Raven Baxter: ‘That’s So Raven’
She’s an icon, she’s the moment, you know her, you love her!! Raven Lydia Baxter, come on down!
Raven Baxter was an icon that we all wanted to be: outspoken, hilarious, loyal, and we all wanted to shop her closet. Like the other shows listed, she came from an upper middle class family, with parents who loved and supported her every step of the way.
Most importantly, she could see into the future, which set her apart from most Black girls on television. She was the voice of Black female empowerment with her confidence and assertiveness, challenging the wrongs in the world. One of the more important factors, she’s always there for her friends: Chelsea and Eddie. Raven, let’s talk about borrowing some of those outfits.
Hilary Banks: ‘Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’
Hilary Banks started out as a one-dimensional “dumb blonde” stereotype, but grew into a well-rounded, multi-dimensional character. She became more self-aware about the wrongs and challenges of the world. She not only realized that there’s more to life than just wealth, but she challenged herself to learn more about the world.
She was one of the first Black femme characters who came from a wealthy family and got to enjoy her privilege. As the series progressed, she became a more empathetic and vulnerable character, leaving her shallow ways behind. Not only that, but she had an iconic wardrobe! Thank you, Hilary, for showing us that Blackness is not a monolith.
Freddie Brooks: ‘A Different World’
Winifred ‘Freddie’ Brooks, played by the iconic Cree Summer was the true epitome of Blackness not being a monolith. ‘A Different World’ had a diverse array of how Blackness was represented.
Freddie was an activist who wanted to change the system. She wore her natural hair (something relatively new for young Black women), bold patterns, and wasn’t apologetic for who she was. She was quirky, clumsy, and intelligent.
Additionally, she was a lover-girl at heart; another trait that wasn’t common amongst Black female characters in television. She was a model for the young Black girls who didn’t fit into one niche. She was kind, supportive, earthy, and always down for the cause.
Orange Blossom
What made Orange Blossom so special and iconic was that she wasn’t the designated Black best friend. She held her own. She’s optimistic and supportive, and always radiated positivity when helping her friends. Her warmth and generosity always shined through, and it set her apart amongst the other characters in Strawberryland.
She dressed in bright and cheery clothing, her lively signature orange, which again, wasn’t a common characteristic for Black femme characters at the time. She was always a team player and willing to help her friends solve a problem whenever they needed it, and always gave emotional support. Whenever she needed it, it was always reciprocated back.
Orange Blossom is a timeless gem who will stand in pop culture history, forever.
Conclusion
It’s true. Black women haven’t been given their flowers for a long time. I’m glad to have been one of them. These iconic young Black female characters have shaped so much of my childhood, and I’m glad to have been influenced by each and every single one of these characters listed above. It gives me hope that the influence and representation of Black femme characters will continue to positive. We’re in the right hands.
