Black Led Cartoons For Today's Kid's

 One thing I quickly learned since becoming a parent in 2020, was that you soon get sucked into the shows your kid watches. If it's not the theme song randomly popping in your head, or the toy's you end up buying. Or actually realizing that it actually is a good show, you also make sure that your kid's see people that look like them on TV.

Representation matters there is absolutely no doubt about it, unfortunately avenues to include more representation are currently under attack by folks who don't love themselves so they hate everyone else. We must keep representation and what it mean's for kid's alive, so with that here modern cartoons featuring Black led characters for today's kid's to check out.

Craig Of The Creek

Craig Of The Creek was a standout favorite on the fall from grace cable channel that is the Cartoon network. Debuting in 2018, the show features the main character craig and his band of friends as they play at a nearby creek, using their vast imaginations to make the creek their own little world and navigating life in the process. The show just ended it's final season last month and went out with much fanfare.

Reruns still air on Cartoon network, and it is available on streaming services such Max and Hulu.

Motown Magic

This Netflix original is a favorite in my house and a genius idea in my opinion. Using the legendary music from Motown records and inspiration from cartoons such as The Magic School Bus. The series also debuting in 2018, follows a young boy Ben who stumbles upon a paintbrush that is magical in nature. It allows him to bring colorful art to life and through the power of Motown learn some lessons each episode.

While still available on Netflix, it only lasted two season's which is a shame because while several Motown favorites were played, there is a vault of classics that were never touched.

Doc Mcstuffins

The Doc is Here! Doc McStuffins the cartoon is well over 10 years old, debuting in 2012 yet kid's of today still love it. Dottie "Doc" McStuffins aspires to be a doctor like her mother, and with the power of his magic stethoscope and toys she brings to life she is able to start working towards that goal. Fixing toys from dolls to stuff animals healing them from their ailments. And as customary for most kid show's she learns important life lessons in every episode. 

The cartoon was a Disney Channel hit during it's original run which ended in 2020. I'm sure one of the Disney networks still air reruns, but it's available to watch on Disney plus and Hulu.

Ada Twist, Scientist

Another Netflix original Ada Twist, Scientist is a show in a similiar vain as Doc McStuffins. Debuting in 2021 the series follows the highly intelligent 9 year old Ada, full of imagination she has a book of scientific inventions and her own "magical' lab she can conduct experiments in. She also has three friends who are equally as smart by her side to assist in her science hijinks. 

The series focuses on the STEM field and imagination amongst kids. Encouraging them to persevere and not give up when something goes wrong the first time. There have been four season's of the show with the last one airing in 2023, it has not officially been cancelled by Netflix so hopefully more episodes are on the way. 

Lyla In The Loop

A PBS kid's production, Lyla In The Loop debuted last year on the network. It features a 7 year old girl named Lyla and her sidekick pet Stu, although no one really knows what kind of animal Stu is. Along with her family, Lyla and Stu navigate the life of a 7 year old in the city. Using critical thinking skills and her imagination, she innocently get's into mischief while also brainstorming her way out. Becoming a problem solver for those around her. Season 1 recently ended, so let's hope that season 2 is not far behind.

Karma's World

Another Netflix show that debuted in 2021, this one receives a lot of airtime in my house. Karma's World follows middle schooler Karma Grant who learns she has a skill of making good music. She also learns all the good music can bring to the world, while simultaneously learning about herself and gaining confidence. One of her song's Proud Of My Hair is quite infectious, you hear it and will be singing it to yourself for some days. While the show hasn't had any new episodes since 2022, hopefully new ones are being developed, in the meantime there is plenty of Karma's merchandise available in stores (trust me I know).

My Dad The Bounty Hunter

Netflix is really leading the pack here with cartoons featuring Black led characters. For kid's who love a good sci-fi adventure, this one is for them. My Dad The Bounty Hunter features brother and sister Sean and Lisa, while they are half earthlings they think their father is a typical boring dad. Until they accidentally catch a ride to one of his missions and find out he is a well known Bounty Hunter chasing down criminals of all species within the galaxy. It has some comedy and kid appropriate action scenes, as well as showing a loving Black family.

It debuted in 2023 and has 2 seasons before being cancelled by the streaming service. Which is a shame but there are still 19 episodes you can watch on repeat over and over again. 

Ariel

Based off the 2023 version of Ariel from Disney's Little Mermaid starring Hailey Bailey. This cartoon debuted on Disney Jr. last summer, and follows the misadventures of Ariel alongside her pals Sebastian and Flounder. Learning about the undersea life outside of her kingdom, and life lessons on how to treat other's and herself. It truly is just an updated version of the story for a new generation and hasn't changed much about the lore.

However if kid's today enjoyed the original Little Mermaid and the live-action remake, they will enjoy this one. While it has not been officially renewed by disney, I'm sure it will soon. 

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28 Random Things That Define The Culture

It's Black History month and while Black History is 365 days a year, it's important to showcase all the culture has to offer in February. This blog cover's 28 random things that define the culture, other than the top 10 the listing has no real merit. It's just random stuff that came to mind while writing the article, so here we go.

28. Lunch Time Rap's

Lunch Time cipher's in schools across America are a staple and has not skipped an generation. There's always a "DJ" banging on the lunch table making the beat, while two aspiring rappers battle each other until a hating ass administrator or teacher comes along and puts a end to it.

27. Motown Records

We listened to it as our parents and grandparents cleaned the house, and now we jam to the classic Motown sound. It carried Black People throw the civil rights era and provided hit after hit. Judging by how everyone was on their feet during Stevie Wonder's Motown Medley at this year's Grammy's. Its clear Motown music is timeless.

26. Def Jam

The house that Russell built it, it's far from the powerhouse it once was. However Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and many more Def Jam artist really were the first hip-hop artist to cross over. Many of their hits still load our playlists. 

25. Ginger Ale

Try to dispute all you want, but when your stomach just ain't right Ginger Ale can solve most of your problems. It's a reason it's a Black Household staple.

24. Fubu

Fubu (For Us, By Us) was a 90's clothing staple, it means so much more now especially on the renewed focus to keep Black dollars within the company. Time for a major comeback.

23. Essence

A staple of Black household book shelves and coffee tables, Essence has been telling important stories within our community since 1970.

22. Essence Fest 

Essence fest is a full weekend of parties, concerts, and celebrating the Black culture. The festival covers a lot of ground over the weekend from Black Health to Black Wealth, food, music and everything in between.

21. Jet magazine

Much like Essence and Ebony magazines, JET magazine is a Black community hallmark. Telling stories since 1951, it was an outlet for Black people during a time when our stories weren't told. This clip from Boomerang gives an idea on just how revered JET was.

20. BET

When MTV still wasn't trying to play Black artists, Robert Johnson started Black Entertainment Television. Initially known for playing music videos all the time, it's programming trajectory has changed but the mission of showcasing Black Excellence has not.

19. Apollo Theater

The mecca of Harlem, The Apollo Theater has been instrumental in showcasing Black artist since the 1930's. It's history is now, then, and forever.

18. Bad Boy Records

If Motown was the sound of Black America in the 60's and 70's, Def Jam was the voice of the youth in the mid 80's to early 90's. Bad Boy Records was the Black voice from the mid to late 90's, highlighting success, flashiness and just a good time.

17. 106 & Park

In response to MTV's wildy popular music video countdown show Total Request Live (TRL), in 2000 BET debuted 106 & Park. Which an entire generation grew up on watching the top ten countdown, waiting for the throwback of the day, and of course Freestyle Friday.

16. Yo! MTV Raps

Before 106 & Park there was Yo! MTV Raps, MTV's and the mainstream media's acknowledgement that Hip Hop was here to stay and couldn't be stopped. The show ran for five seasons and opened so many doors for so many artists. 

15. Jordan Sneakers

Since their release in 1985, Jordan's also called J's have been a must have in any sneakerhead's collection. 

14. Strawberry Filled Candy

If you went over grandma's or any older relative's house, chances are you found a bowl or jar full of Strawberry filled candy.

13. Crown Royal Bag

Once you finish that Crown Royal bottle, what to do with the bag is the next question. The answer whatever you need to store in it. Change, important documents, loose bills whatever it's better to repurpose than throw away.

12. Spades

Want to get a good time at the family function going, and possibly cause an argument. Play some spades. 

11. Uno

Maybe the only other card game that will have Black folks side eyeing you, throwing up their hands, and debating about how the game is supposed to be played.

10. Hennessy

                            Have no idea what's in it that's so addicting, Black People just love Hennessy. 

9. Plastic Market Bags

They serve so many purposes, protecting valuables and folks hair, sometimes their shoes in inclement weather. Something to carry the plates you took from the family function, dumping smelly food or diapers to mask the smell.

8. Spaghetti

If Black People having a gathering for a large group or just tryna make something that will stretch for the week. They gon make a large pot of Spaghetti, may even fancy it up a bit and put some shrimp in it.

7. Drawer full of Condiments

No matter how many we already have in the house. If some takeout food provides some condiments, we saving them for later.

6. Sunday Dinner

After a long week of work and running errands, Black folks look forward to a good Sunday Dinner. Sometimes the meal rivals that of a Thanksgiving spread. 

5. Fraternities & Sororities 

Seen all around college campuses and often pillars of community service. Fraternities and Sororities are a huge part of the Black culture.

4. HBCU's

The halftime show's, The Marching band's, Greek life, and just a sense of family. HBCU's play a important part in educating the future and celebrating the culture.

3. Frankie Beverly and Maze Before I Let Go

You cannot attend a Black function without someone playing Before I Let Go. Once it come's on even those not on the dance floor will be singing along, waiting for that moment to scream at the top of their lungs "Before I Let You Goooooooooooooo".

2. Line Dances

The Electric Slide, The Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, The Wobble and many more. Black people love love love a good line dance.

1. Family Reunion

Life get's busy a Family Reunion is always a good opportunity to get everyone together near and far to enjoy each other's company, and celebrate love and family.

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Black Museums You May Not Know About

Black History Month is about educating others on how much we've contributed to the world, and celebrating the culture and the things we do that make us, US! Black influence and history is in every facet of society and there are many museums that celebrate that. The Great Blacks and Wax Museum and Reginald F.Lewis Museum both in Baltimore, National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. Motown Museum in Detroit, fun cultural museums like the Trap Museum and Culture Experience in Atlanta, Black Hair Experience in D.C. and of course the National Museum of African American History And Culture In D.C.

These are some of the more well known museums, this article will cover 5 museums that explore our rich history you may not be aware of .

Black Writers museum

Located in Philadelphia, this museum displays writings and contributions of many Black writers throughout history. Highlighting the perseverance of Black people to learn to read and write, then create our own stories and testimonies to share with the world. The stated goal of the museum is to inspire the next generation of literary greatness within our community. More Information about this museum can be found on the website https://www.blackwritersmuseum.com/

National Museum of African American music

Nestled in Nashville, TN this museum is fairly new opening in 2020. It showcases Black peoples various contributions to the music industry. All of the genres created, influenced, or inspired by us, and how our contributions to music intertwine with history. This museum is one I definitely plan to visit one day, more details about the museum's long history and it's mission can be foud on the website https://nmaam.org/ 

Apex Museum

Located in the Black mecca Atlanta, the African-American Panoramic Museum explores Black life and  contributions in every avenue possible. One thing that makes this museum stand out is that exhibits are rotated out every quarter, so repeat visitors learn something new each time. The museum's website displays a brief but powerful message, "Whatever you do, never let them begin our history with slavery." The museum's website is https://www.apexmuseum.org/

National Voting Rights Museum and Institute

Located in Selma, Alabama not far from the Edmund Pettus Bridge where "Bloody Sunday" occured. This museum highlights the struggles and battles many African-Americans went through to obtai the basic right to vote. The sacrifices made, the persistent activitst who continued to push forward and even the continued fight to this day for voting rights. More Information can be found on the website http://nvrmi.com/ 

Negro League Hall of Fame

Located in Kansas City is a musuem I have been clamoring to get to for years, the Negro League Hall of Fame. Everyone knows about Jackie Robinson who broke the color barrier in the major leagues, but what about Larry Doby the man who followed in Jackie's footsteps? Or Negro League legends like Satchiel Paige, Cool Papa Bell, Josh Gibson, and Buck O'neil? This musuem tell's their stories and the story of the leage overall. With so much history packed into the exhibit it is a must visit for any baseball fan. The musuems website is https://www.nlbm.com/

While this is just a handful of musuems highlighting Black History, there are many more throughout the country covering all that we bring to the table. For more information on Black museums

visit https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-museums-united-states-and-canada/

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