Black Girl Cartoon Characters We Can All Relate To
Though Black women cartoon characters can sometimes be few and far between, the ones we do have are certainly top tier. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Jodie from Daria
Starting off with our brilliant sister Jodie Landon, the gorgeous, resilient high school student who is fed up with being the token black girl. Jodie is oftentimes in her own world, focusing on her studies, college applications and her Mack. She is depicted as having the brightest future of all the characters from the show, as one of her main themes in the show is her college future, setting her apart from many of the other characters. "I'm president of the French Club, vice president of Student Council, editor of the yearbook, and I'm also on the tennis team", she states in an episode. Her popularity however, is only at school, as she is oftentimes a loner outside of school. Her humor is usually sarcastic, and she tends to play the role of the mother within her friend group, giving phenomenal advice, and helping them out of sticky situations. She has an love for her friends, family and the black community, which is explicated in everything she does. In June 2019, MTV announced that they would be producing a spin off-series about Jodie, starring Traci Ellis Ross.
2. Miranda from As Told By Ginger
Miranda Killagallen is a misunderstood “mean girl” on the series “As Told by Ginger”. Her blunt and icy personality is said to stem from her strict upbringing. Miranda is often trademarked by her snapping of the finger and her sarcastic comments, which are often pessimistic, but spot on. She makes a stark transformation throughout the series, starting as a blatant bully to Ginger, the series’ main character, then evolving into a girl who is more kind and open-minded.
3. Trixie from American Dragon Jake Long
From one of our often-forgotten early 2000s favs,New York City native Trixie Carter is the loving, sassy, outgoing best-friend of Jake Long, the TV Show’s main character. She is portrayed as a middle-school tomboy, who enjoys skateboarding and helping protect the “Magical Community” on the show. As an only child, she has a very strong relationship with her family. Her dad fighter pilot for the United States Air Force[11] while her mother works for an airline. Trixie comes from a wealthy family, something we don’t see often with black characters on TV. However, her parents are often away, so her primary caretaker is her Grandmother. In addition to skateboarding, Trixie is an extremely talented cheerleader and acrobatic. She aspires to be a doctor, and has a strong interest in biology. Her friends often refer to her as “Mama Trixie”, and her tagline is “Ain't no thang, but a Chicken wang…”
4. Susie from Rugrats and All Grown Up
Susanna Yvonne "Susie" Carmichael even as a toddler, is the epitome of black excellence, and white societies attempts to demean that excellence. Susie is the worst nightmare of Angelica, the villain and antagonist of the show, as Susie always attempts puts a halt to Angelica’s mean treatment of the other toddlers. This results in all of the Rugrats looking up to Susie, making her another “mom friend” on our list of characters (recognize a pattern?). Susie is optimistic, altruistic, brilliant, and always makes an effort to stand up for what is right. She is a gifted singer, dancer and is fluent in ten foreign languages, all things that her enemy Angelica, wishes she could do. Her parents are also both portrayed as being extremely intelligent and talented, so clearly it is in the genes. Susie is also the natural hair QUEEN, as we see her wearing a wide range of different hairstyle in the Rugrats spin-off All Grown Up.
5. Monique from Kim Possible
Monique is quite literally everything you could ask for in a friend. She is beautiful, intelligent, caring, super fashionable and will always keep you in check. As the best-friend of Kim Possible, Monique is always helping her friends address this personality flaws, inspiring them to grow and become better people. She is the assistant manager at the most popular store at the mall “Club Banana”, further explicating her immense love for fashion.
6. Abigail from Kids Next Door
The Kids Next Door deuteragonist Abigail Lincoln a.k.a. Numbuh 5, is the Second in-command of the Sector V of Kids Next Door Supreme Leader. AKA, she is a bad-ass. Highly skilled in martial arts, strategy, weapon proficiency Intelligence, Abigail is really not one to be messed with. Often characterized by her intelligence, street-smarts, and laid-back personality, Abigail is not only an honor student at her school, but the smartest on her team. Way ahead of her time, Abigail was not only a tomboy, but did not conform to many feminists labels, actions of even dress. At formal events for example, she can be seen wearing a suit and tie, and has little interest in boys, even though she is pursued. With confidence, Abigail always refers to herself as “Numbah 5” instead of saying “I”. At one point in the show, she becomes “Supreme Leader of the Kids”. Go off sis!
7. Foxxy Love from Drawn Together
“Drawn Together” is one of the most iconic and monumental adult sitcoms of its time, and character Foxxy Love proved the shows epochal standing. She is the first openly bisexual/pan-sexual character on our list, and possibly the first black woman animated character to be on the spectrum. It is said that she was created as a spoof version of Valerie Brown from the series Josie and the Pussy Cats. Foxxy is a virtuoso, who excels in musical talent and also at solving mysteries.One of her most iconic quotes is: "I'm like Sherlock Holmes, if he played a tambourine and shaved his cooch". In the band, she sings the lead vocals and plays the tambourine. Throughout the show she addressees racial disparities, queer identity and women’s empowerment. We love a cultured advocacy queen!
8. Leshawna from Total Drama Island
Camper/competitor Leshawna was one of the finalists and one of the most resilient competitors on the satiric cartoon reality “Total Drama Island". Her loyalty and determination makes her either a powerful ally, or you worst enemy. She matches energy, and gives her love and support where its due, making her one of the most like-able characters on the show. Radiating with humor and confidence, Leshawna brings light everywhere she goes, and overcomes obstacles while doing it. Heather, another competitor on the show who is known for being a bully, is also the enemy of Leshawna, and loves to get on her nerves. But Lewshwna does not play that. She sets Heather straight every time. We even see her involved in an interracial relationship with a nerdy white boy. While their relationship may seem odd, we love seeing a black girl find true love, even it is in unexpected circumstances.
9. Michiko Malandro from Michiko to Hatchin
Anime Queen Michiko Malandro is the man character in the hit Michiko to Hatchin”. Michiko is labeled as a “free-willed diva" whose aims at making the world a better place, no matter the cost. She escapes a prison fortress then adopts Hana “Hatchin” who lives in an abusive foster home. Together, they run from the law while embarking on a journey to track down the man that links them together, taking down anyone who gets in their way. Badasses!
10. Libby Folfax from Jimmy Neutron
Our vegetarian genius Queen LIbby is a pre-teen powerhouse. She is one of the main character on Jimmy Neutron, and is related to Queen Hasabataslapya, making her black royalty. Libby is talented and has a heavy interest in hip-hop, R&B and funk music, and this showcased when she wins a first place trophy for “Riverstomp” dancing at her school contest. Fashion and electric gadgets are also two interests of hers, along with excelling and school and being a literal genius. Her character progresses throughout the show, becoming more and more of a prominent figure. Her love interest Sheen, is also a nerd, and their pre-teen relationship is so innocent and adorable. We love that for her.
Libby is officialy described as: "Laid back Libby is Cindy's best friend and the voice of reason in their class. Libby has a mind of her own, but for some reason it usually seems to echo Cindy's. When Cindy goes too far, though, Libby provides a much needed reality check. She also has a voice that can shatter glass and send dogs running for cover."
