KKDA-FM Lists 10 Black Horror Film Survivors

KKDA-FM published a list identifying ten Black characters who survived horror films by using intellect rather than force.

The station released the list on October 28, 2026, noting that the month of October drives high viewership for horror titles on broadcast networks and streaming platforms.

The article argues that these characters defied a common trope in the genre where Black cast members frequently die early in the narrative.

The first entry on the list is Peter Washington from the 1978 film Dawn of the Dead.

Ken Foree portrayed the character, whom the station described as setting the tone for Black survivors in the genre.

The list includes Childs from the 1982 movie The Thing.

Keith David played the role, and the station noted an ongoing debate among viewers about whether the character was assimilated by the creature.

Brandon Adams appears on the list as Fool from the 1991 film The People Under the Stairs.

The station highlighted Adams' performance in the thriller, noting his survival despite the dangerous setting.

Jeryline from the 1995 direct-to-video film Tales from the Crypt: Demon Knight is the next character.

Jada Pinkett Smith played the role, and the station credited her with becoming the Demon Knight to ensure her survival.

Joel from Scream 2, released in 1997, is identified as the sixth survivor on the list. Duane Martin portrayed the character, who left town before the final confrontation. The station quoted Martin's closing line, “see ya,” to describe the character's departure strategy. Preacher from the 1999 film Deep Blue Sea is the seventh entry. LL Cool J played the character, who fought genetically modified sharks. The station noted that this entry required a reconsideration of the argument that intelligence, rather than brawn, was the primary survival tool. Eddie from the 1999 remake of House on Haunted Hill is the eighth character. Taye Diggs portrayed the role, and the station credited him with using strategy to navigate dangerous situations alongside the final girl. Maggie Bess from the 2001 film Thirteen Ghosts is the ninth entry. Rah Digga played the character, whom the station described as the emotional center of the movie. Flynn from the 2007 film 28 Weeks Later is the tenth character on the list. Harold Perrineau played the role, and the station cited the character's use of a helicopter as a key survival factor. Rod Williams from the 2017 film Get Out serves as the final entry in the main list. Lil Rel played the character, and the station praised the actor for improvising dialogue that resonated with general audience common sense. The station also included an honorable mention for Brenda Meeks from Scary Movie 2. Regina Hall portrayed the character in the 2001 spoof, and the station suggested her performance reflected the internal thoughts of many viewers during horror films. The list concludes with the station's invitation for viewers to suggest additional survival stories on their social media channels.