5 Fictional Black Women I Want in My Girl Squad
This is a guest post from Antoinette M. Scully. Antoinette is a content creator and all around lover of literature. She writes about race relations through the study of history, culture, and literary arts. She has a background in education, a passion for social justice activism, and a love of parallel construction. She runs the blog Black & Bookish which focuses on independent authors of the African Diaspora. Follow her on Twitter @amariescully
Black women writers create phenomenal black female characters. All these women use their intellect, heritage, and strength to navigate challenging situations. By the end of each book, you’re wishing you could meet them for a weekly drink and have a long chat about womanist studies. When some of the coolest women in my life live in the pages of a book, these are the ones I would want to have in my ultimate girl group.
Dana Franklin (Kindred by Octavia Butler)
Able to survive pre-civil war slavery, Dana holds her own in every trial she comes up against. Smart, cunning, and a little stubborn, you’ll always need a friend who will make sure everyone is taken care of. She’ll pick up the phone just to make sure you had a good day. The most maternal of the group, Dana will try and make the best decisions for everyone, even if they don’t always work out as plan.
Binti (Binti and Binti: Home by Nnedi Okorafor)
A level-headed and clever mathematician, she can calm even the most complicated disputes. Don’t let her age deceive you: she has the courage of an army. Never to be underestimated, her ingenuous curiosity allows her to walk into the unknown with confidence. Her calming rituals will bring the group harmony. A traditionalist, she may question every group decision, but purely out of love.
Shug (The Color Purple by Alice Walker)
Dressed to the nines, Shug’s honesty may sting if you’re having a bad day. She’s true to herself and protects her friends when trouble arises. Beautiful and fearless, her talent and gusto tend to open doors for her, and anyone else she wants to impress. Shug will take you out for a round of drinks and then a night out on the town until the sun comes up.
Ifemelu (Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
With an eye on current events, Ifemelu is well informed with what’s going on in the world. She is political by nature due to her constant experiences in American micro-aggressions. A serious student, she’ll be the one to choose the book club reads. It also helps that she’s a clever wordsmith who can talk her way into (or out of) any situation.
Starr (The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas)
Loyal but cautious, Starr has a quiet strength and easy personality. Also one of the group’s younger members, she never wants to do anything to upset a friend or cross anyone. She’ll keep the group feeling young, and be able to convince everyone to join the upcoming activist march.
Regardless of age or background, I know all of these women would have my back. Who would you add to your “girl squad”?
