Gems in storytelling courtesy of Black creatives can be found not only in live-action film and television, but also in animation as well. Animation is in the midst of another Black cartoon renaissance that may not have been witnessed since the ’90s and early aughts.

To keep our audiences abreast of what to watch, here are five Black cartoons you should put on your must-watch list ASAP.

Craig Of The Creek

Perhaps the most obvious contender in the Black cartoons to watch department is the Cartoon Network favorite, Craig Of The Creek. Hailed as the “Hey Arnold” of its generation, Craig Of The Creek takes place in Herkleton, a fictional area in Washington, D.C. and revolves around the titular character, an imaginative 9-year old boy who partakes in adventures with his best friends, Kelsey and JP, in their neighborhood creek. In 2020, Craig Of The Creek was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Children’s Animated Series

Motown Magic

Viewers looking to add a slice of Motown should watch the Netflix animated series Motown Magic. The series, which premiered on Netflix in 2018 revolves around Ben, a bubbly 8-year old child who uses a paintbrush to bring his fictional city of Motown to life with the vibrant tunes of Motown Records. Among some of the Motown tunes that appear in the series are records from The Supremes, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.

Super Sema

Billed as Africa’s first kid superhero animated series, Super Sema premiered on March 8 in honor of International Women’s Day and follows the adventures of Sema, an extraordinary young girl who embarks on a mission with you two brother MB to protect their African village with the gift of her STEM skills. Lupita Nyong’o is a part of the team behind the show.

Reba to the Rescue

A classic lighthearted animated show that airs on some PBS affiliates, Reba To The Rescue centers on an eternally optimistic Black girl who embarks on a quest to do good with the assistance of her red cape.

Reba To The Rescue

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