The Ongoing Significance of Black Mermaids in Popular Culture
Black mermaids have been part of mythology for a long time, with their African origins dating back to the Middle Passage. Jalondra Davis, an assistant professor of English at the University of California, Riverside, says that mermaids are not tied to fact or reality, and it's important to have access to Black stories that cover a range of experiences, including fantasy. The Black mermaid community emphasizes aquatic diversity and teaching Black children to swim to ensure their safety. Mermaiding can be restorative, and having a mermaid tail can be a way to say "who cares" about the latter region of one's body.