There’s magic in representation—and for too long, Black women were excluded from fantasy worlds that celebrated beauty, power, and magic. We were invisible in the dreamscapes we’d fantasized about, locked out of spaces that allowed others to express their strength and creativity. But Black women in fantasy aren’t just beautiful. We are revolutionary.
When we’re represented in fantasy, it’s more than just a moment of visual affirmation. It’s a powerful reclamation of our stories, our strength, and our unique magic. Black women are rewriting the rules of what’s possible—not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.
The Limitations of “Beauty” in Fantasy
Beauty, in many fantasy narratives, can have a narrow vision. Historically, Black women’s beauty hasn’t been allowed to shine in those worlds. In fantasy realms, we were often sidekicks or exotic characters who were relegated to the background.
But let me tell you, sis—Black women are not accessories in the fantasy world. We are the magic. And when we show up, we bring a depth that redefines beauty. Our beauty isn’t just skin-deep. It’s rooted in the magic we carry within, the legacy of our ancestors, and the world-building we do when we imagine ourselves in powerful, dynamic roles.
Black women in fantasy are not just there to look pretty—they change the story. We are warriors, queens, and myth-makers. We define what magic looks like in every space we step into.
The Revolutionary Shift
The truth is, Black women in fantasy aren’t just a “nice addition” to the narrative—we are changing the very foundation of what fantasy is and can be. We bring a new perspective to the genre, one that is rooted in our culture, our resilience, and our rich storytelling traditions. We bring the kind of magic that cannot be boxed in, because it is limitless, unbound by the boundaries others have tried to set for us.
I’ll tell you a story. When I first started dakari moon, I focused solely on art—prints, cards, things that were beautiful and decorative. But over time, something became clear. At events, women of all ages would come to my booth, admiring the artwork, but asking me, “Do you have journals? Planners? Something useful?”
That moment was pivotal for me. It made me realize that we don’t just appreciate beauty; we need things that serve us, that empower us to live fully. It wasn’t enough for me to just sell art on a wall—I needed to create functional beauty that nurtured both our spirit and our practical lives.
And it’s the same thing in fantasy. Black women aren’t just meant to be seen—we are meant to create, to disrupt, and to build worlds that reflect the depth of who we are.
Our Magic is Revolutionary
When Black women are seen in fantasy, we are claiming our right to magic. We are saying, “Our stories matter. Our experiences matter. We deserve to be the heroes of our own narratives.” We deserve to exist in worlds where we lead, create, and thrive.
Think about characters like Storm from X-Men, Shuri from Black Panther, and Misty Knight from Marvel. These women aren’t just beautiful—they are trailblazers in their worlds, offering new possibilities for what a Black woman’s magic looks like. And let’s not forget the disya Cute Girls from dakari moon—they represent the colorful, magical, and multidimensional ways we are rewriting what it means to belong in the world of fantasy.
Representation in Fantasy: The Power of Our Stories
Representation matters because it shapes how we see the world and ourselves. When Black women are excluded from fantasy, we are deprived of the chance to see ourselves as the heroines, the leaders, and the creators.
But when we reclaim our space—when we put Black women at the heart of our stories—we are not just changing the narrative for ourselves; we are creating a future where our daughters, nieces, and young Black girls can see themselves in these powerful roles. They’ll grow up knowing that they too can wield magic, that they too can lead the charge in any realm, any world, anywhere.
Black Women Are Magic—And We Always Have Been
Let’s keep reclaiming our power.
