Black History Month is still in full swing, and if you’re a horror fan who wants to learn about powerful Black characters, you’ve come to the right place. Horror as a genre has a long history when it comes to Black horror, but what about powerful Black characters? We’re talking about everyone from the vampires who can and might drain your blood to the witches with immense power, an urban legend, too.
Celebrating Black representation across the board always has an importance. And in horror, where there are so few, we need to do even more. More importantly, we’re allowed to clap for the Black characters that might not be reflective of anyone we could ever meet heroes and villains alike. But if you happen to come across any vampires, spread the word. The following are some of the best, most powerful Black characters in horror films and television.
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Candyman
Film: Candyman (1992)
The lore of Candyman (Tony Todd) is intense, and the film is full of social commentary on class, racial issues, and gentrification. Candyman‘s legacy as a sympathetic villain is long-lasting, and his story is tragic enough that it allows for some understanding.
Not to mention his abilities which include super strength, immortality, teleportation, and control over a bee hive make for a lot of mind-boggling sequences for those who don’t summon him. Instead of being a villain who has no personality and isn’t summoned, Candyman must be called.
Jeryline
Film: Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight
Despite starting the film off as a regular person, Jeryline (Jada Pinkett Smith) ends up being instrumental in saving the world. Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight’s apocalyptic threat isn’t to be taken lightly within the film. Jeryline steps up to the plate after she’s appointed Demon Knight and averts the apocalypse, leading to her starting her life on the run. The ancient key she protects and her status as Demon Knight prevents her from dying of disease or aging like regular humans do. Thus making Jeryline quite powerful and unlike anyone else around here.
Kendra Young
Show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer
In every generation there’s a chosen one and occasionally another chosen one. Kendra Young (Bianca Lawson)’s arc on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but she was still a slayer at the same time as Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) due to her temporary death in season 1.
Her commitment to her studies and combat made her what slayers are typically supposed to be. Kendra’s abilities are standard for slayers, but that unfortunately didn’t matter because she met a gruesome demise. It doesn’t erase her power or the slight impact her mini arc had as the show didn’t have many Black characters.
Blade
Film: Blade
There aren’t a lot of notable Black vampires in horror, and Blade (Wesley Snipes) is one of the most culturally impactful. Without Blade there likely wouldn’t be as much of a success with Marvel films and Blade remains a fan favorite for Black vampire representation. His powers as a Dhampir allow him to walk in the daytime, and he has super speed, enhanced healing, stamina, heightened senses, and is a skilled fighter. Blade goes up against formidable and personal threats in the first film. And he’s able to get through his ordeals without an army backing him up.
Bonnie Bennett
Show: The Vampire Diaries
It’s important to note that Bonnie (Kat Graham) was treated quite poorly throughout The Vampire Diaries. Yet she remains one of the most badass witches in horror. Bonnie’s powers growing throughout the show’s run is one of the better upsides of her arc. Her being a powerful Black witch is still a representation that can be looked back on fondly. Despite the treatment of Bonnie by the writers, she’s still recognized as a fan favorite for her incredibly cool spells, mind control abilities, and telekinesis etc.
Vincent Griffith
Show: The Originals
Living in New Orleans where the Original vampires and those closest to them live isn’t easy, but Vincent (Yusuf Gatewood) made do. Vincent managing to stun even the most powerful beings with his wit, magic, and lack of care for their feelings is still a delight to watch. Not only is he full of personality, but his abilities as a witch are linked to his Tremé Coven bloodline. He’s extraordinarily gifted, knowledgeable, a powerful witch with the capability of harnessing intense magic. Vincent remains one of the characters in The Vampire Diaries universe.
Marcel Gerard
Show: The Originals
After surviving slavery and being rescued from it, Marcel (Charles Michael Davis) was rescued and adopted by the Originals/Mikaelson family. Marcel was later turned and for the longest time possessed the same abilities as nearly any vampire. But in the later seasons he becomes an upgraded Original and is unkillable, has enhanced vampiric abilities, a lethal vampire bite, and a major threat as a result. Marcel having nothing but capability throws a wrench in his enemies’ plans. And there’s virtually nobody that can stop him as a result.
Abra Stone
Film: Doctor Sleep
Returning to the world of The Shining was never going to be an easy task, but Doctor Sleep did so as a solid adaptation. Just like Dan Torrance (Ewan McGregor), Abra Stone (Kyleigh Curran) can shine and has strong psychic abilities as a result. Throughout the film, Abra is able to communicate telepathically, astral project, move things with her mind, and so on. She’s able to take on the film’s villain, Rose the Hat (Rebecca Ferguson) and briefly navigate the perils of the Overlook. Having a Black girl be the deuteragonist is a delightful choice, and her character taking on her foes is always fun to watch.
Louis de Pointe du Lac
Show: Interview with the Vampire (TV Series)
Adapting Interview with the Vampire into television and making Louis (Jacob Anderson) a gay Black man are two of the best decisions that the creators could have made. Instead of Louis being a slave owner like he initially was, Louis is allowed to have more nuance as a Black gay man. After he’s turned into a vampire, he becomes more powerful than his oppressors. His super speed, agility, healing abilities, and the like make him someone not to be trifled with. He might not have ancient power like some vampires, but he’s no fledgling as far as powers go.
Claudia de Pointe du Lac de Lioncourt
Show: Interview with the Vampire (TV Series)
There are seldom a few vampiric stories that are as tragic as Claudia (Bailey Bass in season 1 and Delainey Hayles in season 2)’s story. Claudia nearly died by way of a house fire but was turned into a vampire by Louis’ lover, Lestat (Sam Reid), and was stuck in her teenage body until her horrifying death. Her abilities are like any vampire, but with the twist of being interested in entertaining her bloodlust and vampiric desires. Being turned by Lestat at her young age made her stronger, but also gave her an insatiable hunger for blood.
Celebrating Black representation in horror is always going to be crucial. And as time goes on, there will be even more Black horror characters to make note of.
