It’s Women’s History Month, and you know who deserves all the praise this month and beyond? The unsung, Black teenage heroines that we’ve come to know and love over the years. From Good Times’ Thelma played by the fabulously talented Bern Nadette Stanis, to Moesha, who was brought to life by the vocal bible herself, Brandy, these young women have played such a pivotal moment in all of our lives. Whether it’s reflecting the times through their fictional storylines or just making Black teenage girls feel seen and represented, we’ll always hold them close to our hearts. This current iteration of teenagers may have Euphoria’s Rue Bennett, but Black teenagehood didn’t begin with her, and it certainly won’t end there.
Check out our list of five Black female teenager characters that we will always hold near and dear.
1. Thelma Evans
One can’t possibly have any dialogue around iconic Black female teenagers without mentioning Thelma Evans. The character featured on Good Times gave us the perfect example of what teenagehood looked like during the ’70s in Chicago’s inner-city.
2. Moesha Mitchell
Miss Mitchell may have been played by budding icon Brandy, but the fictional California native was a superstar in her own right. The eponymously named illustrated the teenager’s dynamics with crushes, friendships and finding her voice as a teenager in the ’90s.
3. Penny Proud
Many Millennials grew up watching Penny Proud navigate trials and tribulations on The Proud Family, and now the generation after us can do the same with its latest rendition. Centered around Proud and her many adventures, the character played by Kyla Pratt took viewers on a multitude of adventures while honing her voice as someone who stood up for what’s right.
4. Rue Bennett
If you’re like us, you see why Zendaya won an Emmy for her Euphoria role and will continue to do so. Zendaya has received critical acclaim for embodying a character who goes through the motions of substance abuse and how it impacts her relationships with herself and her loved ones.
5. Laura Winslow
Played by Kellie Shanygne Williams, Winslow was best known for warding off Family Matters’ protagonist Steve Urkel. Eventually falling in love with Urkel, Winslow was a fan favorite of the series.
Whether you identify as a Black teenager or have one in your family, these young ladies are sure to have some sort of impact on you. Kudos to these characters and the actors who so vividly brought them to our television screens.
