Nerd culture is supposed to be a refuge for those who don't often see themselves in popular culture — as long as the geek is white.
Black nerds are often excluded, especially when they decide to dress as a character who has traditionally been white. Actress Noma Dumezweni learned this firsthand when she played Hermione in the "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" play. Trolls lambasted J.K. Rowling and the play's director for casting a Black actress as Hermione.
Eventually, Rowling clapped back, but the criticism still proved a bigger point: Black geeks are only supposed to play traditionally Black characters — or else.
This is a limited — and exclusionary — view of nerd culture, so here are 17 unapologetic Black cosplayers who can slay any character, including Wednesday Addams, Harley Quinn, and the dreaded villain Negan from "The Walking Dead."
Wednesday Addams would definitely approve.
Oh, Negan, still terrorizing all over "The Walking Dead," eh?
Harley's clearly the baddest member of the "Suicide Squad."
Princess Serenity is stunning.
HERMIONE! A genius after my own heart.
A Black Daryl AND a white Michonne? Yes, please!
We'd go under the sea with this Ariel any day.
What a gorgeous Snow White!
Have you ever seen a Spiderman this dope?
Poison Ivy could take over the world in this outfit.
#JusticeForBarb
Yes, you better raid those tombs girl!
Off with their heads!
This Buzz Lightyear could definitely come to our rescue!
Don't say this dope girl's name three times...
Cruella's out to steal puppies and hearts.
