In a recent New York Times interview, Meghan Sussex opened up about her work ethic and entrepreneurial goals. The article described her as having “boundless enthusiasm and big Charlotte York energy,” referencing the optimistic, polished character from Sex and the City.
Charlotte York, often viewed as the most traditional and romantic of the iconic foursome, is known for her elegance, faith in love, and determination to build a picture-perfect life. It’s an endearing comparison—but not quite a full one.
To be clear, there’s nothing wrong with being a Charlotte. But it’s limiting. Comparing Meghan—a black biracial woman with a career that’s spanned acting, activism, royal life, and business—to a fictional white character from a 90s Manhattan-based show doesn’t capture her full experience.
Enter Joan Clayton from Girlfriends. For those unfamiliar, Girlfriends aired from 2000 to 2008 and centered four professional Black and Biracial women navigating love, friendship, and ambition. Joan, played brilliantly by Tracee Ellis Ross (who is also biracial), starts as a successful lawyer but eventually leaves her firm to pursue her dream of opening a restaurant. She’s stylish, thoughtful, romantic, sometimes neurotic—but always driven. Sound familiar?
Girlfriends turns 24 today… where did the time go?! pic.twitter.com/9Aus0wj86j
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) September 11, 2024
Why Joan Clayton Captures Meghan Sussex Better Than Charlotte York Ever Could
Joan, like Meghan, lives with high standards and deep empathy. She wants to build something for herself and the people she loves. She has moments of vulnerability and power. She’s the friend who shows up, the woman who evolves, and the one who keeps going even when people tell her she can’t.
When we reduce Meghan to a “Charlotte,” we place her within the confines of white femininity and nostalgia. That might be comfortable for mainstream media, but it doesn’t honor the complexity of her lived experience. Meghan isn’t asking to be a symbol. But if we’re going to draw comparisons, let’s at least choose characters that reflect the intersections she represents.
Joan Clayton was a lawyer. Meghan played one on Suits. Both women are ambitious Californians navigating high-stakes careers while trying to stay true to themselves. Joan later became an entrepreneur. Meghan launched As Ever. Joan put friendship, love, and integrity at the heart of her journey. Meghan has done the same—even when the world wasn’t ready for it.
So, which fictional character most mirrors Meghan Sussex’s essence? Maybe it depends on who’s watching. But for many of us, Joan Clayton feels a lot closer to the truth than Charlotte York ever could.
I heard if you say pupusas 3X fast Tracee Ellis Ross appears
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) April 20, 2023
📺: Girlfriends pic.twitter.com/iEFNejbMaH
Who Do You Think Meghan Sussex Is Most Like from Girlfriends?
We’ve made the Joan Clayton case, but let’s hear from you.
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Meghan is one-of-a-kind icon. If a white female writer from a legacy media outlet wishes to draw a `comparison with a pop-culture character, I would suggest she look beyond characters that populate her sphere of comfort culture. Look at the many strong black and biracial women who populate the media or the real world, outside your sphere of comfort, who share meaningful parallels with the Duchess. Meghan does not need to fit the constraints imposed on Black women to make them feel comfortable of their place in pop culture.
Her appeal is so broad that women from different races, cultures and economic classes may well have different “characters” that they like/ look up to and can compare her with.
Thanks for your posts. Always interesting.