May the force be with you, EBONY fam!
Each year on May 4th, Star Wars fans get together and share their love of the successful franchise. Our community is often left out of the fandom but real ones know that we appreciate a good sci-fi classic when we see it. There are a bunch of Black folks who actively enjoy the world of Star Wars . From Donald Glover to Forest Whittaker, so many Black legends have graced these films.
As a tribute to Star Wars Day, here are some of our fave Black celebs who have made cameos in the galactic franchise over the years.
James Earl Jones
Darth Vader
Image: courtesy of Star Wars.
James Earl Jones is known for voicing some of the most iconic characters in film history. He originated the role of Star Wars’ most notorious villain Darth Vader, a Jedi Knight known as Anakin Skywalker before he turned over to the dark side.
Billy Dee Williams
Lando Calrissian
Image: courtesy of Star Wars
Billy Dee Williams’ inherent finesse was perfect for his role as Lando Calrissian, a slick smuggler. Protecting the Empire by decimating the Death Star in his youth, Calrissian’s legacy as a honorable hero was cemented in the film’s fandom by his rise to leadership.
Samuel L Jackson
Mace Windu
Image: courtesy of Star Wars.
Mace Windu, played by Samuel L. Jackson, is a member of the Jedi High Council, and is one of the most powerful Jedis of his time. The force is extremely strong within him and he knew how to navigate it in a way that only he could.
John Boyega
Finn
Image: courtesy of Star Wars.
Dedicated to the collective efforts of the Resistance, Finn finds strength in friendship and staying true to the cause. Although born to be in service to the First Order, he instead chose to listen to his inner voice and follow what he believes to be right and just.
Lupita Nyong’o
Maz Kanata
Maz Kanata—a wise elder who is over a thousand years old—is an expert at navigating the ebbs and flows of the underworld. In an effort to invoke balance, she offers assistance and advice to many types of characters who come in search.
Lizzo
The Dutchess
Lizzo and actor Jack Black (right) are in the latest season of The Mandalorian. Image: LucasFilm/Disney+
Lizzo shares that her love of the franchise was something she shared with her late father. In Disney+’s The Mandalorian, she plays the the Dutchess—the wife of Plazir-15’s Captain Bombardier (played by Jack Black)—who aids in overseeing the planet.
