Dr. Aisha
Powell

Fandoms have become an unequivocal part of contemporary life and aid in the construction of identity and community building. But as the originator of modern fan studies, Henry Jenkins noted, ‘the original sin of fandom studies was its silence about race.’ Some research has occurred in response to this call to action, but no overarching framework or model has emerged. This article utilizes critical race theory (CRT) to guide its critical re-interpretation of Wann’s Team Identification–Social Psychological Health Model that can be used to examine the experiences of Black fans. The model presented, termed the Black Fandom Identification Social-Psychological Model, conceptualizes how Black fandoms are formed and sustained, as well as how Black fandoms protect their fandom from threats. Through this process, Black fans reach an enhanced state of Blackness, which increases their well-being and mental health. Implications of the model provide a schema for fan studies scholars to use.