I always do something for Black History Month. Usually, I would write a play or put up a program. This year, I did something a little different. My son wants to be an animator, so we spent some time looking at cartoons old and new. I realized that black cartoon characters were more sparse during my childhood but there was an influx (it seems) after high school. Here are a few highlights.
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*Please forgive me. I forgot about Captain Planet and that show was a big deal.
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The Boondocks 2005 - When thinking of black pride, my mind immediately went to the radical and outspoken young philosopher Huey Freeman. I would read the comic strip in the paper, but I didn't understand them. They were political and I was too young but I was Starved to see any melanin in my comics. They were few and far between. It had gotten to a point where I'm looking for the "token" on any new show to see if they could live around here.
The Proud Family 2001 - Penny Proud Speaking of pride, this cartoon was very well written and the theme song put Solange's vocals on the map. Penny Proud was someone you wanted to be cool with.
Valerie - Josie and the Pussycats 1963 Skipping back in time, Valerie was not only the tambourine player for Josie and Pussycats, but she was also the song writer. One song I heard on the classic was about a cheating man and said Get rid of him Girl! It was a bop.
Codename Kids Next Door 2002 - Numbah 5 I didn't really get into this one. I was off to college by then.
Daria 1997 - Jodie She was a smart and inquisitive character. She regularly made her own commentary on racial statuses.
Doc McStuffins 2012 By this time, I had my own kid. He wasn't really interested.
The Proud Family 2001- Dijonay May Jones She was the sassy friend you need, but gets on your nerves. Although I was in college, I watched with my little sisters. The writing was awesome.
The Proud Family 2001 - Suga Mama She was the matriarch that every black family had. She would tell the truth and call them out on their foolishness. But she's old enough to say what she wanted and get away with it.
Craig of the Creek 2018 - Craig A funny little show my kid put me on. He's actually a headliner on a Cartoon Network show.
South Park 1997 - Chef Chef was a weirdo. I think we (teens) watched that show (occasionally) for its shock value.
Rugrats 1991 - Suzy Carmichael Rugrats was big when I was a kid, but Suzy wasn't introduced until 1993.
Recess 1997 - Vince The show seemed to have an interesting premise, it just didn't take for me or anyone I knew.
Steven Universe 2013 - Garnet This is an interesting character. They broke new ground introducing lesbians to the cartoon universe.
The Boondocks 2005 - Riley Freeman The younger brother of Huey was just as outspoken but hood with it. He was a lot of fun to watch.
The Princess and the Frog 2009 - Princess Tiana I waited my entire little girl life for a black Disney princess. They delivered in 2009, with this movie. The ONLY Disney princess who transforms into an animal and only gets 23 minutes of screen time as a human. For this alone, I can not fool up with it.
The Magic School Bus 1994 - Keesha This is the Keesha I grew up with. She was in a group of diverse kids, so that was cool.
The Magic School Bus 2018 - Keesha She got rebooted, but I don't know why they just didn't call them new characters.
Hey Arnold! 1996 - Gerald This was a good show. Gerald was a fun character.
Hammerman 1991 - Stanley Stanley with the magic shoes. MC Hammer was always popular for us kids. He was positive and we were excited to see him Saturday mornings. Of Course he had to go.
Class of 3000 2006 - Sunny This is 1 I would equate to Hammerman. He was inspirational, positive, and teaching the kids to think outside the box. Of Course it had to go.
Bebe's Kids 1992 - Don't get me to lying about their names These kids were PUSHED onto us. The bad behind trouble makers were EVERYWHERE, you hear me? I wasn't feeling them. THEY were amplified during my childhood.
Mister T 1983 - Mr. T He was a super hero for me. I was a little bitty girl when he went off the air. It would be a long time before a black cartoon character headlined. Mike Tyson tried to emulate his style, which was hilarious, but it fell way short.
Lilo & Stitch: The Series 2003 - Captain Gantu He was a side character but I was too old and had just had my own baby..
Total Drama Island 2007 - Leshawna Was big and loud. Black girl cliche. I remember cringing a couple of times watching. She was a contender and was smart and strong. The show was fun.
Strawberry Shortcake 1979 - Orange Blossom Her look has changed several times over the years. It's good that a franchise is able to transform themselves in this way to stay relevant. I'm not sure what she looks like now, I'm just a sucker for poof poofs.
Kim Possible 2002 - Wade He was a nerdy little dude. It's seems like these writers either made black characters super smart, super quiet, or super ignant.
Fat Albert and the Gang 1972 - Fat Albert Fat Albert is a classic. This was a major move back in the day.
Teen Titans or Justice League or Whatever else he's in, I ain't watching no way 2016 - Cyborg Pretty basic and no interesting personality. I guess it's fitting he's part robot. Yeah, he was added later.
Little Bill 1999 - Little Bill This was a sweet cartoon. My friends would call my son Little Bill because of that dome.
The Mahogany Dahl Series 2018 - Mahogany This is a character I can not Wait to see on the small and big screen. I created her when I was a teenager. Not knowing I could do anything as interesting as animation, I went on to become a teacher. But Mahogany still had life. And here she is. I am going to be the change I want to see. I have created a character with determination, smarts, and a little precociousness infused into her. Mickey Mouse who?
