First Black Woman To Be Captain America Will Debut In Series This Summer

Since the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, Steve Rogers’ shield has been an important symbol both to the audience and the characters. Over in the comics, Steve Rogers is still Captain America, but his shield is in the wind. The United States of Captain America will feature both Steve and Sam Wilson traveling across the country to find it. Along the way, they will meet other people who call themselves Captain America, including the first black woman character to wear the mantle.

Image via Marvel Entertainment

Last month, we told you about Aaron Fischer, the first LGBTQ+ person to call himself Captain America. He is a “local” Captain America who is inspired by Steve Rogers to help defend his community. The same is true for the Captain America we’ll meet in the second issues. Marvel Comics announced today that a black woman named Nichelle Wright will be the Captain America of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Co-created by Mohale Mashigo and Natacha Bustos, she also is a Steve Rogers fan and stands up for those with no one to turn to. In the solicitation for the comic, it’s revealed that she will be framed for a crime, and it’s up to Sam and Steve to help her out while tracking the villain who stole the shield.

We don’t know much else beyond that about how or why this character became Captain America (with a cape, no less!). Still, the co-creators promise a powerful character everyone can admire and, especially for girls, identify with.

Mashigo said:

“The thing I can say about Nichelle is that she is working day and night to bring change into a world where she feels defeated. Nichelle is a light in a dark time and she wants to take ownership of her community and space in America.”

Bustos also said:

“There are very few occasions when you have the opportunity to contribute to the creation of a character as genuine and powerful as Nichelle. She is undoubtedly one of the characters that I am most proud to have designed, for all that she represents and what she means for the community.”

A series that coincides with the 80^th anniversary of Captain America, this five-issue series will highlight plenty from Cap’s past. Yet, the inclusion of characters from different social demographics help the series look like the country Cap represents today. Seeing the first LGBTQ+ and black woman characters wearing a Captain America uniform gets at the very thing that inspired Stan Lee and his collaborators to create the Marvel Universe. They wanted to tell exciting, fun stories with heartfelt morals and that allowed kids to envision themselves as the hero. Characters like Aaron Fischer and Nichelle Wright will (hopefully) live on the Marvel Universe as symbols we can admire.

Image via Marvel Entertainment

The United States of Captain America debuts its first issue on June 2, 2021.

What do you think? Are you excited about this series and the “new” Captains America helping Steve and Sam find the shield? Share your thoughts below.

Featured image via Marvel Entertainment

Joshua M. Patton is a father, veteran, and writer living in Pittsburgh, PA. The first books he read on his own were comics, and he's loved the medium ever since. He is the greatest star-pilot in the galaxy, a cunning warrior, and a good friend. His book "What I Learned: Stories, Essays, and More" is available in print from Amazon and from all electronic booksellers.