5 Fictional Black Women I Want in my Girl Squad
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This post was originally written and appeared on the site Book Riot under the same title. I have permission to repost it here.
“Friendships with Black girls have always saved my life. ”
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Squad Goals Anyone?
Black women writers create phenomenal Black female characters. All of 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.
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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.
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Binti (The Binti Triology 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.
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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 drink and then a night out on the town until the sun comes up.
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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.
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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 able 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”?
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About the Author
Black & Bookish is the brainchild of Antoinette Scully, educator and lover of all things bookish. She is on a quest to fill your bookshelves with beloved authors of the African Diaspora. When she's not hanging out on line, she's living it up as the mother of two rambunctious girls and wife of a local filmmaker.