As a storyteller myself and with the upcoming release of The Flower Gift, a novel about a Black girl blogger who earns a U.S. scholarship to study in Osaka, Japan [next blog post will be about the book and creating it and its perspective book tomorrow click here if you want to check out the official book merch for The Flower Gift], I feel compelled to speak on a subject close to my heart. This subject is one that both celebrates our unique passions and calls for greater inclusivity across cultural and racial lines. Now more than ever, Black creators like Tony Weaver Jr. and Gigi Murakami are proving that boundaries in storytelling are meant to be pushed.
Recently, Tony Weaver Jr., also known as TikTok’s “Nerdy Older Brother” and the creator of the hit series The UnCommons, recently released a video on TikTok discussing Gigi Murakami, the creator of RESENTER. Gigi, who was scouted by one of the world’s largest manga publishers, wrote RESENTER, a horror series that explores vengeance and justice while asking if revenge is...and how I am writing this article/editorial on Halloween. [Mini shoutout to Briana Lawrence for writing the article about Gigi on Crunchyroll.] This sparked quite a debate within manga fandoms, with some questioning the legitimacy of a non-Japanese creator producing manga. This criticism is sadly fueled by people who argue that manga must be Japanese by origin and content—a point many overlook when admiring works like Blade of the Phantom Master by South Korean manhwa artist Youn In-wan or Peepo Choo by Felipe Smith, an American with Jamaican and Argentine roots.
The idea that manga or any storytelling form must be exclusive to one nationality or culture limits creative voices from contributing to a genre that has long inspired fans of all backgrounds. Personally, as a wrestling fan, I see a similar contradiction. WWE’s recent Bad Blood Press Conference saw Triple H respond to a question on Black male representation with the phrase, “I don’t see color...I just see talent.” This response may be "well-intentioned", but it honestly ignores the importance of representation and the unique experiences that individuals from diverse backgrounds bring to the table.
Embracing Diversity and Why It Matters
Even in everyday life, I see this kind of blending in action. I sometimes go to the food court at Sawgrass Mall since the main bus terminal is right outside the food court. If you go to either Asian Chao and/or Oriental Eatery, where you’ll find Haitian chefs working/hiding in the back making the food [I noticed they're only visible during the start of the day to clock in and the end of the day to clock out] while predominantly Asian staff serving and selling to customers while letting people [at times] sample the food—well... when they're not being picky/prejudice with letting black people have a free sample that is.
I personally don't buy from either business, for the reason listed in the previous sentence, but when I look at the people who go over there, none look like they question the authenticity or authority of the businesses.
My own experiences working in multicultural settings and dealing with prejudiced people inspired Black Cards of History LLC, my online shop rooted in Black history awareness and racial equality through writing and apparel. I have talked more openly about what happened when I dealt with the scenario, but if anyone is curious about reading the full back story, click here to read the 23-minute article.
To My Fellow Black Nerds: Embrace Your Passions
If you’re a Black nerd, don’t let anyone tell you that your love for anime, manga, gaming, or tech is invalid or somehow less legitimate. Embrace your interests unapologetically. These spaces benefit from unique voices, adding creativity and depth that ultimately make these genres richer. I’ve faced my own challenges being judged for my interests, but standing firm in my identity has allowed me to build a community that values inclusion and celebrates difference. By staying true to yourself, you help create a world where everyone is empowered to bring their unique talents to the table.
Calling Out Discrimination to Inspire Change
If you’ve faced prejudice, don’t be afraid to speak up. Silence allows discrimination to persist, but by calling it out, you bring awareness and accountability. Confronting these issues doesn’t have to be about conflict; it’s an opportunity to educate, create dialogue, and encourage others to reflect on harmful behaviors. Your courage to challenge prejudice contributes to a culture where standing against racism is not only acceptable but expected. When you share your experiences, you empower others to find their voice and join the fight for a more inclusive society.
As I celebrate the release of The Flower Gift on my 28th birthday (Nov. 3rd if curious), I’m grateful to share this message and encourage others to support creators who push boundaries and challenge norms. The world of storytelling, whether through manga, comics, or novels, belongs to everyone, and Black creators deserve their place in it. Check out the work of Tony Weaver Jr. and Gigi Murakami, and let them know you heard about them here. We all have a role in shaping an inclusive, diverse community, and I hope you’ll join me on this journey.
Let’s make our voices heard—because each story matters.
-Sterling Jr.