How Many Black Princesses Are There

Okay, let’s talk princesses. Not the "tiara and perfect hair all the time" kind (though, respect to those who can pull that off). We're talking about the Black princesses. You know, the royalty that reflects us. Ever wonder, like, how many of them are ACTUALLY out there? Because sometimes, it feels like finding a matching pair of socks in the laundry – a rare and joyous event!

Think about it. You’re scrolling through Disney+, trying to find something for your niece (or, let’s be real, yourself) to watch. You want a princess. A strong, inspiring princess. And maybe, just maybe, a princess who looks like… well, you. It shouldn’t be a Herculean effort, right? It should be as easy as ordering pizza on a Friday night. But sometimes, it’s not.

The Official Count: Not as Many as We Deserve

So, drumroll please… the official count of major Black Disney Princesses is… two. Yes, just two. I know, right? Feels like someone forgot to add a few more zeros to that number. It’s like ordering a large fries and only getting five fries in the container. Utter disappointment.

We have the iconic Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, a total boss lady who opens her own restaurant and kisses a frog (for science, obviously). And we have Asha from Wish, the newest addition to the royal lineup who literally wishes upon a star! They're both amazing, groundbreaking characters. But two? In all the Disney-verse? Come on, Mickey, you can do better!

This isn't to diminish Tiana and Asha's impact at all. They are truly important. But let's be real, representing a whole demographic with only two characters is like trying to paint a mural with just two colors. You'll get the job done, but it's gonna be lacking some serious depth and nuance.

Why Does This Matter? (Besides the Obvious!)

Okay, so why is this whole "princess representation" thing such a big deal? It’s not just about seeing a pretty face on the screen, though let’s be honest, that's part of the appeal. It’s about representation, plain and simple.

Imagine growing up never seeing anyone who looks like you in positions of power, adventure, or just… magic. It’s like trying to learn to swim without ever seeing water. You might get the theory down, but you’re missing the crucial element of seeing yourself reflected in the world around you. When kids don't see themselves represented, it can affect their self-esteem, their aspirations, and their understanding of their place in the world.

Think back to your own childhood. Remember that one movie, TV show, or book that made you feel seen? The one where you thought, "Hey, that character is just like me!"? That's the power of representation. And every child deserves to have that feeling, regardless of their background.

And it's not just about Black kids. Seeing diverse characters on screen also helps everyone develop a more inclusive and understanding worldview. It teaches empathy, breaks down stereotypes, and shows that heroes come in all shapes, sizes, and shades.

Beyond the Official: Other Princesses & Queens (Who Deserve More Love!)

Now, before you start writing angry letters to Disney (though, feel free to do that too!), let’s acknowledge some other characters who deserve a shout-out. While they might not be officially labeled "princesses," they definitely embody the spirit of royalty and deserve recognition.

• Kida from Atlantis: The Lost Empire: Technically, she's a princess. A warrior princess, who defends her people with pure badassery. She's not explicitly Black, but many viewers appreciate her as a character of color.
• Shuri from Black Panther: Okay, she's a princess in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, not Disney (though Disney owns Marvel, so…close enough!). Shuri is a brilliant inventor, a fierce warrior, and an all-around amazing role model.
• Eilonwy from The Black Cauldron: Another character who is not explicitly Black but is often interpreted as a POC.

We also can't forget about the Queens. Like Queen Ramonda from Black Panther, a strong, wise, and regal leader who commands respect. Or even more ambiguous characters like Lilo from Lilo & Stitch for her heart and compassion.

The point is, there are other characters out there who resonate with Black audiences, even if they're not officially princesses. And that's great! But it doesn't excuse the need for more prominent, explicitly Black princesses in the Disney canon.

The Future is Bright (Hopefully!)

The good news is, things are starting to change. Slowly, but surely. With the success of The Princess and the Frog and Wish, Disney is (hopefully) realizing that audiences are craving more diverse representation. The world is changing and everyone is seeing that and holding these companies accountable. We don't want to see another "white-washed" story again, it is a constant conversation being had.

We're seeing more Black characters in animated shows, movies, and books. We're seeing more stories that celebrate Black culture and history. We're seeing more Black creators behind the scenes, telling their own stories and shaping the future of entertainment.

It's like planting a seed. For a long time, that seed was buried underground, struggling to get sunlight. But now, it's starting to sprout. It's still a small plant, but it's growing. And with enough support and nurturing, it will blossom into something beautiful and strong.

So, what can we do? We can continue to support movies and shows that feature Black characters. We can demand more representation from studios and networks. We can amplify the voices of Black creators. We can talk to our kids about the importance of diversity and inclusion. We can make noise, respectfully of course.

It might seem like a small thing, but every little bit helps. Because every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they love. Every child deserves to dream of being a princess, a superhero, or anything else they set their mind to.

A Call to Action (and Maybe Some Petition Signing!)

Let's be real: waiting for Disney to magically create a whole roster of Black princesses is like waiting for your online order to arrive on time. You hope it happens, but you're not holding your breath. Instead, let's be proactive. We can write letters (or emails, because it's the 21st century) to Disney, respectfully requesting more Black princesses and representation. We can support Black artists and creators who are telling their own stories.

We can start conversations with our friends and family about the importance of representation. We can make sure our kids have access to books, movies, and shows that feature diverse characters. We can even start our own online petitions (because who doesn't love a good petition?).

Imagine a future where a child can walk into a Disney store and see dolls of Black princesses lining the shelves. Imagine a future where Black princesses are just as common and celebrated as their white counterparts. Imagine a future where every child feels seen, valued, and empowered.

That's the future we're fighting for. And it's a future worth fighting for. Because representation matters. And every Black girl (and boy!) deserves to see themselves as royalty.

So, the next time you're scrolling through Disney+, remember the two (amazing, but still not enough) Black princesses we have. And remember that we have the power to change the narrative. Let's keep pushing for more representation, more diversity, and more magic for everyone.

Because let's be honest, wouldn't it be awesome to have a whole squad of Black princesses? A team of powerful, inspiring, and culturally diverse women who can conquer any challenge? I think so too!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to write a strongly worded (but polite!) email to Disney. Who's with me?