Dear Bonnie Bennett

If you’re a fan of CW’s The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, you know all about the case of Bonnie Bennett. She was the epitome of Black Girl Magic. She had more main character energy than her counterparts, and her story resonated with Black women all over the world.

Bonnie was one of the most powerful characters on the show. When Mystic Falls was in trouble, she was often expected to save the day. Given nearly impossible tasks and little resources or support, she carried her friends and her hometown on her back at her own expense. She literally bled, cried, and died every other episode. Bonnie was often exploited for what she could do, but rarely appreciated or valued for who she was as a person. Sound familiar?

Bonnie Bennett is not just a character from a TV show. She is a reflection of the frustration and challenges many Black women face in the corporate and creative world today.

We share our gifts, our talents, and expertise with a world that seems determined to turn our Black Girl Magic into a toxic real-life Magical Negro trope. We are overworked but undervalued, overlooked but constantly criticized. But that’s where our similarities with the fictional character ends.

Bonnie Bennett had an unsatisfying character’s journey, an end that left many of us wanting a redo or a spin-off.

The good news for us is we can learn from her story and write our own narrative.

Bonnie’s mistake was centering herself around the wrong people. She gave and sacrificed for people who loved the benefit of her gift, while ignoring the people who loved her for who she was. That misapplied focus caused her to lose family, friends, loved ones, and even herself.

Don’t make the same mistake. Don’t focus on your haters at the expense of people who really love you. Don’t focus on the takers when there are people who really value what you have to give.

Keep building no matter who tries to dismiss or discourage you. Keep showing up even if it feels like no one is paying attention.

You have a whole community of people who value you and support what you do. You just have to look in the right direction.

If you’re a fan of Bonnie Bennett and you’re really looking for justice for characters like her, keep it Konkret. Check out Luna by Moon the Storyteller and the works of Onaji Rouse such as Odina, Kandake, and Sista’ Circle X, for empowering and inspiring Black Girl Magic representation.

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About Montrez, Contributor

Montrez is a sci-fi and fantasy author, a freelance editor, and blogger passionate about celebrating and amplifying BIPOC and indie voices in the bookish and blerd community.

Visit her website for more on her books and editing services at https://www.authormontrez.com.

Connect with her on Instagram, and get all her latest book recommendations on her blog, The Novel Creature.