The Original “It Girls” Part 2: Black Women Who Owned 90s and Early 2000s Pop Culture
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The influence of Black female characters on TV and in film during the 90s and early 2000s is undeniable. These women were stylish, witty, and multifaceted—embodying confidence, charisma, and grace that cemented them as cultural icons. Whether they ruled the sitcom world, headlined dramas, or dazzled us on the big screen, these “It Girls” gave viewers representation that felt real, bold, and unshakably cool.
This continuation celebrates even more iconic characters who defined this era, from Toni Childs’ unapologetic confidence to Isis’ undeniable power in Bring It On. Let’s dive back in.
16. Toni Childs – Girlfriends
Toni Childs, played by Jill Marie Jones, was the queen of self-confidence and self-love. A central figure in Girlfriends, Toni was a real estate agent with big dreams, a love of luxury, and a magnetic personality that made her unforgettable.
Toni’s fashion was impeccable—sleek power suits, body-hugging dresses, and a never-ending rotation of designer accessories defined her look. But it was her unapologetic attitude and drive to succeed that cemented her “It Girl” status. Whether she was delivering biting one-liners or navigating complicated friendships, Toni was a reminder that Black women can be both vulnerable and fierce, glamorous and grounded.
17. Wanda McCullough – The Bernie Mac Show
Kellita Smith’s portrayal of Wanda McCullough, Bernie Mac’s wife in The Bernie Mac Show, brought sophistication and humor to the forefront. Wanda was a career-driven, supportive partner who balanced her high-powered job with being a loving (and often exasperated) mother figure to Bernie’s niece and nephews.
Wanda’s style was classic and chic—tailored blazers, sleek dresses, and perfectly coiffed hair. She represented the modern Black woman juggling multiple roles with grace and flair. Wanda’s ability to command respect while remaining effortlessly elegant solidified her as a quietly iconic “It Girl.”
18. Hilary Banks – The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Karyn Parsons’ Hilary Banks was the fashionista of the 90s. The eldest Banks sibling on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Hilary was glamorous, spoiled, and delightfully oblivious—but she also had an undeniable charm that made her unforgettable.
Hilary’s wardrobe was a masterclass in high-end fashion, featuring matching sets, bold prints, and luxurious fabrics. Her signature hats and power suits became style staples of the era. Beyond her fashion, Hilary’s growth throughout the series—from a superficial socialite to a woman carving her own career path—made her a dynamic character and a quintessential “It Girl.”
19. Neesee James – All of Us
LisaRaye McCoy brought Neesee James to life in All of Us, a sitcom about blended families. As Robert’s ex-wife and co-parent, Neesee was confident, stylish, and fiercely independent.
Neesee’s wardrobe showcased her polished, glamorous side with fitted dresses, high heels, and statement jewelry that reflected her vibrant personality. But beyond the fashion, Neesee’s portrayal highlighted the complexities of navigating relationships and motherhood with grace and humor. She stood out as a woman who knew her worth, making her a prime example of early 2000s “It Girl” energy.
20. Nina Mosley – Love Jones
Played by Nia Long, Nina Mosley from Love Jones was the epitome of soulful cool. As a photographer navigating love and creativity in Chicago, Nina exuded an effortless sophistication that made her unforgettable.
Nina’s style was understated yet chic, featuring neutral tones, natural hairstyles, and timeless silhouettes. Her chemistry with Darius (Larenz Tate) brought an unforgettable romance to the big screen, but it was Nina’s intelligence, independence, and artistic spirit that solidified her as a cultural icon.
21. Robin Stokes – Waiting to Exhale
Lela Rochon’s Robin Stokes in Waiting to Exhale was a woman navigating love, career, and self-discovery. Robin’s story resonated with audiences for its raw honesty about the highs and lows of relationships.
Robin’s style was a reflection of her confidence and allure—sleek dresses, flowing fabrics, and bold colors made her stand out. She embodied the complexities of Black womanhood in the 90s, showing that vulnerability and strength could coexist.
22. Regine Hunter – Living Single
Kim Fields’ Regine Hunter on Living Single was the ultimate diva. A fashion-obsessed boutique buyer, Regine was all about luxury and style, often delivering biting quips and unforgettable one-liners.
Regine’s wardrobe was nothing short of iconic, featuring couture pieces, bold patterns, and accessories that screamed glamour. But beyond her materialistic exterior, Regine was fiercely loyal to her friends and unafraid to chase her dreams, making her a layered and memorable “It Girl.”
23. Fancy Monroe – The Jamie Foxx Show
Garcelle Beauvais’ Fancy Monroe on The Jamie Foxx Show was the definition of poise and beauty. As the hotel’s front desk clerk, Fancy was intelligent, hardworking, and always a step ahead of Jamie’s antics.
Fancy’s fashion sense was timeless—elegant dresses, tailored suits, and subtle yet stunning accessories highlighted her polished aesthetic. Her grace, charm, and sharp wit made her a standout character, cementing her as one of the most elegant “It Girls” of the era.
24. Shanté Smith – Two Can Play That Game
Vivica A. Fox’s Shanté Smith in Two Can Play That Game was the ultimate boss. A successful career woman who knew the rules of love and how to play the game, Shanté exuded confidence and power in every scene.
Her wardrobe was pure sophistication—form-fitting dresses, tailored suits, and luxurious accessories. Shanté’s ability to balance her romantic life with her ambition made her an aspirational figure, embodying the “It Girl” archetype with a dose of sass and intelligence.
25. Lisa Turtle – Saved by the Bell
Lark Voorhies’ Lisa Turtle was a trailblazer for Black girls on 90s teen sitcoms. As Bayside High’s resident fashionista, Lisa was bubbly, confident, and unapologetically stylish.
Lisa’s outfits were colorful, trendy, and always perfectly accessorized, making her a standout character in a predominantly white cast. She represented a form of Black girl magic that was rare on teen TV at the time—fun, fashionable, and full of personality.
26. Lena – Love & Basketball
Regina Hall’s portrayal of Lena in Love & Basketball gave viewers a character who was stylish, supportive, and fiercely independent. As Monica’s sister, Lena brought humor and warmth to the story, making her an essential part of the film’s emotional core.
Lena’s style was trendy yet understated, showcasing the casual-cool aesthetic of the early 2000s. She embodied the best friend you could always count on, proving that “It Girl” energy isn’t just about being in the spotlight—it’s about presence and authenticity.
27. Halle Berry – Catwoman
Halle Berry’s turn as Selina Kyle in Catwoman may have been polarizing critically, but her portrayal of the sleek, fearless anti-hero remains iconic. Halle’s Catwoman was fierce, stylish, and unapologetically bold, bringing a new level of sensuality and power to the character.
From her leather catsuit to her confident strut, Halle’s portrayal left a lasting impression on pop culture. She embodied the ultimate “It Girl” energy: someone who commands attention, owns their power, and takes risks.
28. Coco – The Wash
In The Wash, Angell Conwell’s Coco added a spark of glamour and humor. Though her screen time was limited, Coco’s feisty personality and undeniable style made her a standout character.
Coco’s outfits blended casual 2000s aesthetics with bold touches, making her feel relatable yet aspirational. She brought attitude and charm to the screen, proving that sometimes, even smaller roles can exude “It Girl” energy.
29. Isis – Bring It On
Gabrielle Union’s Isis in Bring It On was the embodiment of Black girl excellence. As the captain of the East Compton Clovers cheerleading squad, Isis was poised, confident, and an undeniable leader.
Her athletic yet stylish looks—complete with the iconic green and gold Clovers uniform—became instantly recognizable. Beyond her style, Isis represented strength and resilience, standing up for her team and her culture. She proved that being an “It Girl” is as much about leadership and authenticity as it is about style.
These women—from Toni Childs to Isis—represent the diversity and complexity of Black womanhood. They were fashionable, ambitious, and unafraid to own their space, setting a standard for what it meant to be iconic in the 90s and 2000s. Their impact transcends their respective shows and movies, continuing to inspire new generations of Black women and girls to embrace their power, style, and individuality.
They didn’t just entertain—they built legacies.
The Original “It Girls”: Black Girls on TV in the 90s and Early 2000s
The 90s and early 2000s were a formative era for Black television, with sitcoms and dramas offering nuanced representations of Black life. Among the most cherished were the Black girls and young women who became the blueprint for what it meant to be stylish, confident, funny, and unforgettable. These characters embodied the “It Girl” aesthetic—effortles…
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