The animated version of Anyssa Pierce was inspired by Producer Lynell Forestall's then teenage sister. The animated version of Jennifer Pierce was inspired by his daughter.
The Black Vulcan costume from the Superfirends cartoon can be seen worn by a mannequin in Peter Gambi's Dry Cleaners. Back in the 80's Hanna Barbera who produced the Superfriends cartoon didn't have the rights to the Black Lightning character, Black Vulcan was created instead.
Black Lightning originally was to appear in his "Classic" 1970's costume, which his daughters would proceed to ridicule him before returning later in his modern costume. This had to be cut due to time constraints.
The person Anissa Pierce is texting is named Grace, this is a reference to Grace Choi, a fellow member of the DC Comics superhero team the Outsiders.