Black Women in Fandom: Inside Tashann Holloway’s Richonne Journey in The Walking Dead Universe

What happens when a busy finance professional, wife, and mother of two stumbles across a show she almost ignored and it changes her life?

In this edition of Black Women in Fandom, we spotlight Tashann Holloway, a Florida-based The Walking Dead universe fan whose journey into the TWDU fandom began with a scroll past on Netflix. She thought it was a western. She kept scrolling for months. Then curiosity kicked in and the rest is history.

What started as casual viewing turned into a deep connection to Rick and Michonne, the beloved pairing known as Richonne, and eventually into real-life moments with Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira themselves - stars who not only recognize her, but genuinely appreciate her support.

But Tashann's story isn't just about meeting actors or attending major events like San Diego Comic-Con. It's about what it means to be a Black woman in fandom spaces, navigating ship wars, challenging stereotypes, building global sisterhood, and proudly taking up space in the The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live era.

In this feature, she opens up about fandom, friendship, representation, and why Richonne is more than a ship, it's a movement. Please enjoy our interview!

What TV series, film franchise, or universe pulled you into this fandom?

Tashann: Rick and Michonne intoduced me to the fandom community. The Walking Dead's Rick Grimes had me hooked from season one, episode one. I was immediately attracted to his aura; thoroughly invested in and fascinated by this incredible man. I could tell he was a good person and I wanted the world for him. When Michonne was introduced in Season 2, I was rocked to my core. I was like, "Who is this fearless mystery chick!?" I needed to know more. Getting to learn about this amazing, smart, badass and calculated woman meant everything. Her journey was fascinating to watch.

What do you love most about being part of this fandom?

Tashann: I was clueless on what a fandom was, honestly. I was content watching Rick and Michonne every Sunday in the privacy of my home. It wasn't until Richonne went canon that I was compelled to venture online to see if anyone else was just as elated as I was with this pairing. They were. It's also where I discovered I was a "shipper." I found some really great The Walking Dead discussion forums and bonded with other Richonners. The things I love most about being in the Richonne fandom are the comraderie and friendships built. We travel together and enjoy layered conversations and deep dives about episodes and character arcs, and attend watch parties. It's nice to ham it up with others that have the same level of affinity for Richonne. Getting to attend Hollywood premieres, San Diego Comic-Con and other conventions/panels in the US and abroad is a joy. Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes) and Danai Gurira (Michonne Grimes) are classically-trained theater professionals. In an effort to support their projects, I was exposed to the joys of watching plays. I've been fortunate to see them both live on stage in their craft.

How has your experience in fandom spaces been as a Black woman?

Tashann: As a Black woman shipping a couple that consists of the Black female lead paired with the white male lead, it puts me in contentious positions at times. I have seen racist online posts disparaging Michonne and what they assume is a largely Black women fueled fandom. Me and some of my mutuals have been targeted with racist comments. Efforts to humble us have been unsuccessful. Attempts to downplay or dismiss our viewpoint on show topics or key plots/storylines is common. Yet, we're undeterred and still thriving. Having said that, fandom spaces have been rewarding and informative. Being exposed to such a vast online community has enriched my life beyond measure. As a whole, fandom spaces have been very welcoming. They've embraced me and provided an outlet for my fangirling. Our collective admiration for two fictional characters may seem excessive to some, but it truly is a thrilling experience. Black women in the Richonne fandom utilize music selections for edits that include artists from wider genre selections and reaction gifs from movies and TV shows popular in our community. These gifted, techie Richonners add nuance with their skills that further heighten and enhance the fandom experience giving it a personalized feel.

Have you encountered any stereotypes or stigmas around fandom? If so, how do you think those can be challenged or eliminated?

Tashann: Some will argue shippers aren't real fans, and our insight and opinions are not to be taken seriously. But we pay them no mind. That critique is quite silly, actually. We're all fans of the show. No one's feedback has more weight than someone else's. The show is for everyone and that includes us. Watching Richonne's love story develop and having them established as the lead couple is critical to the show's success. We have a vested interest. Ship wars are another issue. Competition among rival ships is prevalent. I joined the fandom in 2016 and didn't know there were other TWD ships and that they had fans of their own. My Richonne tunnel vision kicked in and they're the only relationship I cared about. It was a shock for me witnessing the infighting for the first time. The threats of physical harm was unexpected, though. Now the back and forth is old hat and par for the course for me. It's funny looking at old posts and how the storylines played out. It feels good knowing I was right about so many plot points and show decisions. Trading barbs and speculating outcomes that came to fruition is a bonus. I take pride that I was able to follow along and comprehend what the writers wanted to convey.

The violent rhetoric I spoke of can be eliminated if mindsets change. Social media allows for healthy discourse, but I've witnessed it veer into threats/acts of violence. Just check the pinned post on my X account. If everyone could agree that behavior like that is off limits, it would be a win for proper fandom etiquette.

What are some positives or meaningful moments you've experienced within fandom culture?

Tashann: Fandom life is exhilarating. Meeting great people and developing meaningful relationships that remain strong to this day is fulfilling. Traveling with my girls around the world to see Andy and Danai, is a great aspect. I've had the pleasure of meeting Andy and Danai multiple times; and every interaction was a joy. Purchasing show merchandise and obtaining autographs are also great moments. Accessibility to a plethora of talented artists, fanfiction writers, designers, and podcasts that cater to Richonne fandom, takes the fandom experience to a heightened level. It's also been insightful learning about the show's overall production, and visiting filming sets and locations. Being privy to some aspects of work going on behind the scenes is also pretty cool.

Why would you encourage others - especially Black women - to explore or join this fandom?

Tashann: The Richonne fandom is large and diverse. We are fun, authentic and supportive. And just as important, TWD and its spinoff The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live, is just really good TV. It depicts positive images of a grown up love story without all the cliche drama. Michonne is respected, adored and loved on by a man of equal measure in Rick. It's satisfying to watch Richonne and their family as they lead their people through the trials and tribulations of living in a zombie apocalypse. Joining this fandom could foster new interests or introduce the community to one's existing hobbies. We have created a network that grew organically where we look out for each other and share information about upcoming opportunities related to Richonne. That connection is what makes the Richonne fandom unique. We genuinely want each other to suceed to their highest potential. There are Richonners that have become established content creators, published writers, and television show writers. Others regularly work red carpets interviewing talent, and serve as reviewers with screener access. We're cheerleaders for Richonne and each other.

Be sure to connect on X @mrsgrimesgrant