5 Questions With Horror Fan Kima

I've gotten to know Kima over time on social media. She's hilarious, thoughtful, and one of Graveyard Shift Sister's first contributors. An avid science fiction reader and lover scary movies, especially the classics, she works as a therapist and is currently working on writing a comic book series. Another obvious note: Kima's favorite holiday is Halloween because in her words, "who doesn't enjoy a day of horror movies, candy and dressing up?!" 

By her standards, she's one of "the coolest nerd[s] you'll ever meet!"

I affirm this by stating the fact that she answered our call to hear from more Black female horror fans.

What is your first memory of being enthralled with horror as a genre?

My mother loves horror movies. At a very young age, she let my siblings and I watch the TV versions of Friday the 13th, Child’s Play, and Halloween. Also, whenever my oldest sister would babysit us, she let us stay up and watch Tales From the Crypt and X-Files. Shows and movies like that intrigued me as young as 5 years old. By the time I was in 3rd grade, I began reading Goosebump books to feed my need for suspense and thrill through literature.

Do you have a favorite horror movie, book, or television series?

At this point in my life, I am obsessed with The Walking Dead. Not only does it satisfy my interest in zombies, but I appreciate the way they display the dynamics of a society during a catastrophe. The whole mentality of humanity changes when everyone is in survival mode.

In addition, I absolutely admire Michonne! She is a warrior and a survivor. Michonne demonstrates strength and the ability to be a team player. She refuses to be threatened and dependent. She is the complete opposite of a damsel in distress.

Has there ever been a time you felt 'different' for enjoying horror?

I get called weird a lot!

I still feel different for loving science fiction and horror, but I don’t feel alone because I associate with a lot of others like me. It is rare to find black females who will watch or read anything in those genres, and its hard to relate to those who do not. I’ve been fortunate to find people like myself who are open-minded enough and weird enough to enjoy those things. Plus, my birthday is the day after Halloween. I was supposed to be born on that day but my mom took my oldest sister trick or treating instead of going to the hospital! I often celebrate my birthday on Halloween. I love to dress up as my favorite characters!

Are there any Black women in horror whose work you admire? 

I currently admire Angela Bassett for her portrayal as Marie Laveau in American Horror Story. I appreciate her bringing light to this historical figure. As a future sci-fi and comic book writer, I one day hope to inspire others through my work and add color to a genre that doesn’t see enough diversity.

How would you like to see the presence of Black women and women of color in horror change in the future?

I would like to see more of us in the roles of heroines and survivors, not weak and dependent. We need strong influential characters that stand out.

You can find Kima on both Twitter (@emma_fRhost2) and Instagram (@game_of_rhos)