A Tribute to the Awkward Black Girls

It seems everyone can't get enough of Awkward Black Girl. (If you're reading this with a question mark etched across your face, get awkward and get with it!) The hit web series chronicles the everyday adventures of "J," the "awkward black girl," which is a personality type rarely seen on television, especially among women of color. Since the show's online debut in February, it has amassed more than 240,000 views on YouTube and created a solid group of fans who have even donated money to keep the show alive. Show supporters raised more than $56,000 in roughly a month! (Source: Kansas City Star)

Media heads are starting to take notice as well, as online news articles have been popping up left and right highlighting the show's success, which creator Issa Rae attributes to social media. Celebs are catching on too! Fellow funny girl Gabrielle Union tweeted a special shout out to the unexpected smash series, calling the show "genius." With the way things are going, it may not be long before "AWB" is popping up in your TV guide.

That said, I thought I'd pay tribute to AWB's predecessors. Here's a list of the awkward black girls who paved the way.

1. "Freddie" (A Different World)

Played by Cree Summer

Freddie was technically more of a free spirit than she was awkward; however, she was a nice break from the norm. Actually, A Different World is one of the few shows that had various depictions of black people. The show's focus on life at an HBCU created opportunities to show the diversity within the black community.

2. "Synclaire" (Living Single)

Played by Kim Coles

Synclaire was Khadijah's (Queen Latifah) good-natured cousin, Overton's leading lady, and an aspiring actress. She was often regarded as absent-minded and gullible, but she was no fool. She possessed a child-like innocence and strong sense of self that enabled her to avoid the relationship pitfalls faced by her friends.

3. "Myra" (Family Matters)

Played by Michelle Thomas

It's hard to imagine that any woman could love Steve Urkel, especially pre-Stefon; but Myra was the equally quirky, yet way more attractive beauty who was able to distract Steve's attention from Laura Winslow-for a while at least. She and Steve shared a bond that however annoying, was nothing less than authentic. She loved him for him, and we loved her for that.

4. "Joan" (Girlfriends)

Played by Tracee Ellis Ross

Sure. Joan was a successful lawyer and everyone's favorite Girlfriend, but she was not without her awkward and corny moments. We can't overlook her strange obsession with holidays, over-use of legal terms in casual conversation, and inventive ways to run men off. She was the corporate world's awkward black girl, who received a pass for balancing and often suppressing her inner-AWB.

FOUR? JUST FOUR?! Wow, That's pretty sad. Well...did I leave anyone off?

Who on television would you consider an awkward black girl?