Cress Williams as Jefferson Pierce / Black Lightning: A retired superhero with the ability to harness and manipulate electricity who works as a principal at Garfield High School. He returns to fighting crime after his daughters are kidnapped by a local gang. Kaden Washington Lewis portrays teenage Jefferson Pierce. China Anne McClain as Jennifer Pierce: Jefferson 's younger daughter, who is "an independent, outspoken scholar - athlete with a wild streak of her own '', who also possesses powers where her cells start generating energy; her electric power is orange unlike her father 's which is blue. Nafessa Williams as Anissa Pierce / Thunder: Jefferson 's elder daughter who is in medical school and teaches part - time at Jefferson 's school. Anissa is a metahuman like her father, having an ability to manipulate her density with her breathing and emotions, endowing herself with superhuman strength and near invulnerablity. She can also create powerful shockwaves against opponents with this power during combat. In addition, she has an accelerated healing factor. She eventually fights crime as Thunder, and later becomes her father 's protégée and partner. Describing her character as a positive role model, Williams said "I 'm just really grateful to tell the story for young lesbians -- and black lesbians in particular... My hope is that when you watch Anissa, a young lesbian is inspired to walk boldly as who she is and to love herself and to love herself exactly how she looks. '' Christine Adams as Lynn Stewart: A neuroscientist at Bowman College and Jefferson 's ex-wife. Marvin "Krondon '' Jones III as Tobias Whale: A former politician who rose through the ranks of local government through corruption but was brought down by Jefferson 's father, Alvin. After killing Alvin, Tobias was exiled and became the leader of the 100. Despite being Black Lightning 's chief adversary and wants to kill him, Whale also becomes involved with the A.S.A. 's efforts to capture and study him. Damon Gupton as Billy Henderson: A veteran detective inspector with the police who becomes an unlikely ally to Jefferson, despite his role in the community. After exposing the dirty Deputy Chief, Cayman, he is appointed to replace him. James Remar as Peter Gambi: Jefferson 's oldest friend who became a father figure and mentor to him and works as his "tailor '' while having connections with Lady Eve. His real name is Peter Esposito and was a former member of the A.S.A. until he turned against the organization and gave information to Alvin Pierce, resulting in his murder.
who plays the youngest daughter in black lightning
China Anne McClain