Black Women in Fandom: How Margo “The CEO” Turned The Walking Dead Passion Into Global Media Influence

From binge-watching That's So Raven as a child to covering Hollywood's biggest events as an accomplished media professional, Margo “The CEO” embodies what it means to be a lifelong fan and a powerhouse Black woman in fandom culture. Her love for The Walking Dead ignited not just a personal passion but a platform that connects diverse audiences, celebrates Black creativity, and challenges stereotypes in fandom spaces. Through her international media brand and official press coverage of Comic-Con, the Emmys, and Tribeca Film Festival, Margo has carved out a space where Black women can claim visibility, voice, and joy in fandom communities worldwide. Please enjoy our interview!

What fandom (or fandoms) are you a part of?

Margo: The Walking Dead (formerly in Scandal and I've frequented Outlander).

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

Margo: After having a rather love/hate relationship with Scandal for a few seasons, I began to look for a new series that I could binge watch and become easily enamored with after only watching 1–2 episodes. I watched a ton of shows! From Medical to RomCom…I tried it all. I'd say I tried at least 15 different shows until I finally listened to a relative who recommended The Walking Dead. Once I started the show, literally in episode 1–I was captivated! It wasn't just a "zombie" show - it was about people, survival, family, and so much more! That was all she wrote…I watched online interviews, googled the actors, looked up comic con info and got online to express my love for the show and boom. I was in! lol

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

Margo: One thing that I love the most about the TWD fandom is that the fandom is very diverse. It's filled with people from various Sociodemographic sectors and people from multiple regions arounds the world. I think that speaks to the diversity portrayed in the show as well. In TWD universe, there are so many main characters from various ethnicities, age groups, religions, and sexual orientations that allow audiences from an array of different backgrounds to find a character that they relate to or connect with - leading them to be even more vocal and passionate online/within the fandom.

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

Margo: In all areas - fandom, work, school, or any where that white is considered the default can be a tricky experience within itself when your a black women or woman of color. In TWD fandom, I was around when massive TWD events had 6 people who looked like me present (and 2 were cast members), to more recently where there are 60 people who look like me…all present and ready to express their love and opinions on the show or its racial dynamics. So my experiences has been one that has evolved over time…for the better. I've seen a bit of it all when comes to racial issues in fandom. It's evident that in almost all corners of fandoms, there is racist rhetoric, blunt racism, and also a specific way that black women within fandom spaces are treated. There is also a specific way that black characters are stereotyped or mishandled. I used to engage, argue, address and go into these conversations keyboard war ready and heated. There is no place for racism and it's not ok. However, time and age has taught me a lot about people who hide behind computer screens saying or spewing hate of any kind. So I've learned to pick my battles and create a space that is what I want it to be and what I want it to be filled with - love for my favs and the show. So the block and mute function is priceless :). I'm sure that others may voice more negative experiences or even more positive ones, but one thing thats clear is that race often plays a part in the shaping and culture of fandoms.

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

Margo: I think that the previous question somewhat answered this. I see stereotypes in fandoms challenged daily and very often. I respect and support the people who use their fandom space - a space meant for them to express their glee, love, or support for a show and use it to be a torch carrier or warrior for racism within fandoms. Continuing to challenge these tropes and stereotypes are ways in which fandoms can become better, more safe, and fair for everyone.

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

Margo: A huge positive for me as a black women in fandom is that I've gotten to converse with, theorize, laugh, cry and meet some of most smart, unique, complex, and beautiful black women from all over the world! Some have become sisters, some are friends, some are foes but I would not change a thing about the experience and journey for a second. Theres a shared sense of togetherness and understanding of unity as a black woman navigating fandom spaces. Yes there is arguing, differing of opinions, and out right hatefulness within many online communities but there is a genuine relatability factor involved amongst us…even if it often goes unsaid.

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

Margo: I would encourage other black women to explore fandoms because they are a place where you can openly and joyful express whatever it is that you love together with other like minded people and often with a community of other black women who share this same passion. I would say to go and carve out a corner in the online world where your love for cinema, books, doodling, art, or dog walking brings even more fun, laughter, and purpose to whatever it is that you're passionate about. It will take you places both mentally and physically with people you'd otherwise never knew existed in some of the most magical, emotional, and adventurous ways possible.

But the most important thing I would say is to remember this: what you owe people in fandom spaces is less than 0. You are free to formulate your own option, theory, and crazy take on things. You decide, you chose when, where, how often, and most importantly you owe it to yourself to know when to post and when to step away. There is a part of your life that you can craft online within a fandom and it can be amazing and life changing.

Be sure to follow online: @iMargo_CEO on X