It’s no secret that black cartoon characters have lit up every cartoon from Josie and the Pussycats to Rugrats. Many of these characters were memorable in their own right and broke down barriers in living rooms across America. But don’t be fooled – black cartoon characters were more than just sidekicks and tokens. Here’s a brief history of black cartoons with nearly all black characters:
The early days
In 1970, Hanna-Barbera and CBS aired The Harlem Globetrotters, which featured members of the famous basketball team as animated characters. The Saturday morning cartoon was considered ‘first’ in many categories. After 22 episodes, The Harlem Globetrotters vanished, only to return as The Go-Go Globetrotters in 1972 and The Super Globetrotters in 1979.
Also in 1972, the ever-popular Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids aired on CBS. Although the original episode aired on NBC in 1969, network politics kept Bill Cosby from making the deal. With CBS and the production company, Filmation Associates, Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids stayed on air until 1985.
For a moment, it seemed that black cartoons were a thing of the past. It’s possible that the industry simply moved toward using animals and racially inconspicuous characters instead.
The return of black cartoons
After nearly a decade, black cartoons made a comeback with more flavor than ever. In 1996, Damon Wayans introduced Waynehead to Saturday mornings. Three years later, Little Bill connected with preschoolers everywhere when Nick Jr. brought the show to daytime television. Both shows featured young black boys interacting with their families and communities as they learned about themselves and their environments. They brought a perfect blend of education, life lessons and entertainment.
For many millennials, no cartoon was realer than The Proud Family. Not only did the characters look like us, but they spoke and acted like people we could relate to. The show ran from 2001-2005 and is arguably one of the most memorable black cartoons on this side of the 1980s. Andre 3000’s Class of 3000 gave a similar feel. However, it was not nearly as successful and is often forgotten.
Black cartoons for grown-ups
Soon black cartoons evolved to reach adult audiences, and the trend continues in present day. Aaron McGruder’s comic-turned-television show found it’s home on Adult Swim in 2005. For six years, McGruder pitched The Boondocks series to several networks. However, the controversial content scared most away. The Boondocks incited laughter and thought until 2014, when McGruder began working on another comedic series, Black Jesus.
Although it’s questionable how it did with black audiences, The Cleveland Show also stands out on the list of black, comedic animated series. Airing in 2009, the Family Guy spin-off might not have been as thought-provoking as McGruder’s work, but it certainly brought forth a chuckle or two.
We want more
In 2013, rapper and activist David Banner announced his plans to release an animated superhero series, called Walking with the Gods. The series focused on Aket Heru, the present-day incarnation of an ancient black god and his battle with an age-old enemy. Although it appeared only on the web, Walking With the Gods left us both excited and intrigued about what was to come. Unfortunately, after four installments, Banner left us hanging.
Walking with the Gods wasn’t the only series to dip out on us with no warning. There are a number of other black cartoons that have fallen through history’s cracks. So what does the future hold? Talented writers and illustrators are emerging every day. Will black cartoons dwindle away like in the ’80s, or is this the calm before the storm?
