Coinciding with Black History Month, cosplayer Chaka Cumberbatch began the hashtag #28daysofblackcosplay to shine a light on communities of color who are often marginalized in the costume play culture.

Two years ago, Cumberbatch penned an article on XO Jane, where she detailed the racism she encountered when dressed as Sailor Venus, a white character. When an image of her was posing as Sailor Venus was posted online, some complimented her cosplay, though qualified her effort as “good for a black cosplayer,” while others said that she should “stick to characters in her range.”

But despite the negativity, Cumberbatch continues to deliver amazing cosplays and, now, the hashtag she began with a group of friends has grown considerably over the past few days, drawing support from all over social media.

In an interview with Black Girl Nerds, Cumberbatch said, “As Black nerds, it's important for us to see images of each other. Things are starting to get better, but we still have so few characters of color in our comics, video games, anime, manga and movies. It can be disheartening, never seeing anyone who looks like you in the media you love so much. Being able to physically see Black cosplayers out at cons, literally wearing their fandom on their sleeves is just so intensely satisfying on a level I may not ever be able to accurately describe.”

Image Comics, responsible for titles like The Walking Dead and Spawn, have also joined in on the social media movement. Hopefully more will follow.