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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My Favorite Wayans Family Projects

 

This coming weekend the Wayans Family will receive the honor, of being inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame. If there's any family in the entertainment world that deserves this honor, the Wayans Family is it. They have been making folks laugh for well over forty years and have created legendary projects. 

So it's time to give them their flowers and share my favorite projects created by The Wayans Family. I'm omitting In Living Color and I'm Gonna Git You Sucka, and My Wife & Kids because it's a given why those are favorites.

Second Generation Wayans

This 2013 BET original dramedy was actually pretty good. I just think it was not what viewers were expecting from members of the Wayans Family. Focusing on Damien and Craig Wayans who both wrote the series, trying to navigate Hollywood keeping the Wayans name going.

It focuses on the cousins lamenting that they have had achieved the success their uncles and aunt have. With a relatable story of trying to keep family legacies alive, while making your own mark. It's a shame it was only given one season.

Fifty Shades of Black

When released in 2016, this movie was given a lot of flak. Co-written by Marlon, it is however a very funny spoof, you would expect from a Wayans. It's silly, doesn't take itself too serious and is harmless. If you need a good laugh and have some time to kill give it a chance.

Marlon

Another sitcom in the long list of one's not given a chance, and cancelled too soon. Co-starring Essence Atkins (who now costars in Poppa's House with Damon and Damon Jr.), the two play a divorced couple trying to co-parent in the modern world.

A real topic inspired by Marlon's real life, the show touched on the seriousness of the subject but used laughter to heal it. Debuting in 2017 it was cancelled by NBC after it's second season.

Scary Movie 2

The sequel to the surprise hit of 2000 and released a year later. I personally find Scary Movie 2 funnier than the first one. Spoofing primarily the supernatural and haunted house genre of horror movies. The jokes in my opinion just land a bit better.

I didn't appreciate it when it released but it truly is a gem.

Damon Wayans Still Standing

To me Damon Wayans is the funniest member of The Wayans Family. And this HBO stand up special from 1997 shows why. For a hour Damon captives you with his storytelling, using the stage as a prop, there's not a dull second in his performance. His performance in this special shows how much of an art stand up comedy is, and how its been lost. Some of his material later is the basis for My Wife & Kids.

Have an hour? Thanks to the power of YouTube check out the Special .

Blankman

Released in 1994 and co-written by Damon Wayans based on a story he developed. BlankMan is a silly ass movie if I'm being honest, but if I have an opportunity to watch it I will. It also was a early form of representation that went over my head as a child.

A Black superhero saving the city, but not just a Black superhero he's a "nerd" so to speak. So geek culture was on display in Blankman's alter ego Daryl, of course played over the top by Wayans. Daryl was also an inventor, handyman, computer whiz, and mechanic based on what he was able to build from junk. All components of the STEM field. 

While silly it has alot of heart and that makes it enjoyable.

Hollywood Shuffle

A lot of people don't know this, but Keenan Ivory Wayans co-wrote Hollywood Shuffle alongside Robert Townsend (another guy who deserves more flowers). The film follows an aspiring actor Bobby Taylor (played by Townsend) as he navigates the stereotypical world of Hollywood.

Wayans has a small role in the role, but it is a gem for how it is a satire on Hollywood back in the 80's. And much of the topics it covers and calls out is still relevant today.

Low Down Dirty Shame

Also released in 1994 Keenan Ivory Wayan's wrote, directed, and starred in A Low Down Dirty Shame. Playing a P.I. trying to get by who gets wrapped up in a case involving an old flame and foe. With Jada Pinkett Smith's character Peaches by his side, he sets out to close the case once and for all.

A homage to the Blaxploitation era of P.I.'s like John Shaft, I'm shocked a sequel was never made. The movie is funny enough to warrant one and still holds up today.

Major Payne

Major Payne a guy who's a pain in the ass. Released in 1995, 30 years later I can watch this movie beginning to end multiple times, like I have never seen it. The movie was co-written by Damon and it's just so funny with many quotable lines. And hasn't really aged as far as jokes being in bad taste or anything.

I know it's considered a cult classic, but I'm not sure how it is not a bonafide classic. Here's one of my favorite scenes and a collection of other funny ass scenes from the movie.

Mo' Money

Loosely based on the Mo'Money skits from In Living Color, Damon Wayans wrote and starred in this one with Marlon by his side. Playing brothers who hustle for a living, strongly opposed to working. Until Amber played by Stacey Dash catches Damon's character Johnny eye. Soon enough he has a job at her company and gets himself entangled in a credit card identity theft scheme.

It has comedy, and some action. And if if comes on TV or is available to stream and I have free time, I'm sitting down to watch it.

Don't Be A Menace To South Central While Drinking Your Juice In The Hood

I don't give a damn what anyone says Don't Be A Menace is the funniest spoof film ever, and the overall funniest movie by The Wayans Family. Released in 1996 it is a spoof of the 90's Hood movie genres, it targets and hits every movie from Boyz N The Hood on released up to that point.

Almost 30 years later I will watch it and laugh my ass off. Lines from the movie randomly pop in my head, so I have to quote them. It has alot of Easter eggs jokes you may miss, and things going on in the background to help drive jokes you may miss. 

For instance I never noticed until someone pointed it out on social media a few years back, that Ashtrays father had slip covers in his kitchen. The Wayans definitely took their time to make sure this movie was one of a kind and it shows.

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How To Make It In America Gone Too Soon

 

This past weekend marked 15 years since a hidden gem on HBO debuted How To Make It In America. The show was one of those very under the radar gritty type shows that catered to a specific audience, with the most famous cast members being the guy who bagged Stifler's Mom in American Pie in Eddie Kaye Thomas, Luis Guzman who is one of those actors you see in movies and go oh him. And lastly rapper Kid Cudi, and the funny thing is these actors all played supporting roles. Two guys you likely never heard of in Bryan Greenberg and Victor Rasuk led the cast.

Set in New York City the series followed Greenberg's character Ben who is one of those guys who can't get out of his own way, he's an artist and is floating through life. Then there's his buddy Cam played by Rasuk, who is another guy floating through life hopping from one hustle to another. After a series of events that lead them to realize things aren't going right, they decide to start a clothing line focusing on jeans inspired by the 1970's that they dubbed Crisp.

What followed in subsequent episodes was a story of friendship, entrepreneurship, drive, hope, and the hustle needed to be successful. It was a relevant commentary on life in the 2010's and the young millennial drive to bet oneself and make something happen. The main characters were ambitious and yet naive, and at times in over their heads but didn't quit. 

The story, the characters and the vibe of the show made you care, but after season 2 ended on a high not both for the characters and the show with things looking on the up and up. HBO decided to unceremoniously cancel the show. And just like that everything it built was gone.

Now 15 years later the show is still relevant, maybe more than ever. Fashion sense and style is probably more ingrained in pop culture more than ever. During the show's run facebook was the most active social media app, now we have instagram and tik tok and the rise of influencers. Social Media influencers have 3 traits the show touched on, entrepreneur spirit, creativity, and the hustle. Most people want to be influencers yet don't know about the hustle and the brand awareness you need to build on your own before getting to that status. They have found a new way to make it in America.

Since the series debut it truly has gotten harder to survive in America, let alone make it. So you need that inspiration to help you push forward when life seems like you're constantly hitting a wall. In just two short season's this hidden gem may have been ahead of it's time and yet has left a profound impact on anyone who has seen it. It truly was gone too soon. 

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Ten Black Celebrity Crushes Of All Time

One day my brother and I had a random conversation about celebrity crushes and the pinwheels started moving in my head. I started thinking about celebrity crushes that span generations, and since it's Black History Month and Valentine's Day is this week. I decided to write one on ten Black celebrities that were just about everyone's crush at one time or another. This list is based on several debates and discussions, and some social media research on who is still relevant. I'm ready for all kudos and backlash, so here we go.

Meagan Good

Meagan Good started her career in the 90's as a child actor with small appearances in films like Friday, and starring roles in Eve's Bayou and the television show Cousin Skeeter. In the early 2000's when she reached adulthood it didn't take long for many to realize just how attractive she is. In fact early 2000's Meagan Good started her run of being drop dead gorgeous and instantly becoming many men's celebrity crushes.

The 2012 film Think Like A Man solidified she is simply fine. She has held that title for 20 plus years now and the older she get's the finer she get's. Even today in her early forties she can still pass for a twentysomething and look's as beautiful as ever.

Pam Grier

                                                    

Some younger folks maybe asking Pam Grier? and I'm here to say damn right Pam Grier. In the 1970's she starred in Blaxploitation classics like Foxy Brown, Friday Foster and Coffy. Exuding a confident Black woman who oozed sex appeal and could also handle her own. My uncles told me she was their first celebrity crush back in those days. Her 80's and early 90's run she kind of flew under the radar until she made an appearance on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Playing an ex-girlfriend of Uncle Phil who seduces Will. Then came 1997's Jackie Brown, which at that point a new generation was asking about this forty something year old woman and going who is that?

In the almost 30 years since that film has released and thanks to the power of social media, Pam Grier is still a massive crush of many men amongst different generations. Just hashtag her name and social media and you will see endless posts dedicated to her and her beauty.

Stacey Dash

Stacey Dash has caught alot of ill will in recent years, for many believing she has gone off the deep end due to her political beliefs and just life in general. However, even if you feel that way now there is no denying once upon a time she was That LADY! Starting with her role in 1992's Mo' Money and a few years later her iconic role as Dionne in Clueless. Everyone was mesmerized by her flawless brown skin, smile, and those big engaging pretty eyes. Add in she was much older than she looked, she was the personification of the term Black Don't Crack playing a teenager in her late twenties-early thirties (she reprised the role of Dionne in the Clueless TV show).

Even today at almost 60 years old, she is still a very attractive woman. The kid's of today who weren't alive when she played her iconic roles, see her films and go damn who's that?

Vanessa Williams

I will admit when I discussed this blog topic, my brother was adamant about Vanessa Williams, and I kept asking Vanessa Williams? for all time? so I went down the rabbit hole of social media and damnit she apparently has been the crush of many men over the years. It's not hard to see why, she is gorgeous, has those striking blue eyes, was a model, singer and actress. She was the first Black woman to win Miss America in 1984. And she did a penthouse spread a  few years later, which honestly most of the crushes gained in the 80's came from.

She is what many may describe as a classical beauty, has never really aged and continued her career with grace. Even now in her early 60's she still has her fair share of men that would trip over themselves to have just an opportunity to stand next to her. 

Alysia Rogers

Speaking of kid's today asking "Damn who's that?", Alysia Rogers is a first time crush of many young men. She just happened to disappear from the public eye and have many asking whatever happened to her? She first appeared in the classic film Boyz N The Hood as Ricky's girlfriend and son's mother Shanice. She really turned heads a year later in 1992's Class Act as Damita. The pretty, sultry, and low key intelligent young lady smitten with Kid's character Duncan Penderhughes.

Then after turning head's she stopped working in Hollywood. Apparently she has a instagram account that show's she has aged very gracefully. And if you check social media today there are several threads dedicated to the beauty of one ms. Damita. And again Gen Z youth's are clamoring over this timeless beauty.

Aaliyah

If you know me, you know Aaliyah was one of my all time crushes ever. 14-15 year old me legit thought I was going to marry her someday. Well apparently so did a lot of other young men around my age. A natural beauty in the Hollywood and music industry, she stood out as she was gearing up to make a bigger impact in the business.

Her look's were versatile as she could be a tomboy or runway model and look just as beautiful either way. Her sad unfortunate death at the age of 22, has only made her legacy even bigger and in the weird way of teenage boys minds. Has made her an all time crush spread across generations.

Janet Jackson 

The youngest of the legendary Jackson sibling's, Janet Jackson has always had that quiet, sexy demeanor about her which intrigued many young men coming into their own. In the 80's with the Control and Rhythm Nation albums, she had young men saying "Ok Janet" while she was breaking hearts. Then when the 90's came Janet cranked her sex appeal all the way up and left tongues on the floor. While she broke even more hearts and crushed the record charts and music videos with her dance moves.

Janet is almost 60 now, still touring and moving across the stage like she is in her 20's. One thing's for sure from Gen X to Millennials and likely even some Gen Z. Janet Jackson adorned many walls and desktop wallpapers. For that she forever will be an all time crush.

Rihanna

Hailing from the island of Barbados, Rihanna exudes sex appeal and has a chill yet dominant personality. Hitting the music scene in 2005, folk's really started noticing Rihanna during her Good Girl Gone Bad era in 2007 and she hasn't lost any steam since. I have heard several men of all race's mention how attractive they think Rihanna is. Which mean's Rihanna has juice (old school reference for the kids). 

With twenty years in the public eye, she has went through several different era's and in each found her own style which makes her even more attractive. She's a bit of a maneater when you look at how many guys in the industry she has left crying for her to come back. Which honestly is attractive to many men, which is why so many have a crush on her.

Halle Berry

Halle Berry is one celebrity that is probably universally agreed upon she is drop dead gorgeous. Becoming the crush of many, many young men in the 90's and early 2000's. In fact Halle Berry was such a huge crush of many, it was damn near a event when she went topless for literally 2 seconds in 2001's SwordFish. I'm also positive that scene generated more ticket sales for the movie than the actual movie itself, being as though it really wasn't good. 

She came a long way from the girl next door in some early 90's role's like Boomerang and one of my favorites Strictly Business to a bonafide sex symbol. Aging gracefully as she approaches 60, Halle can still break many of the hearts that clamored for her to this day.

Nia Long

Nia Long, Nia Long! A true 90's "it" girl that has transcended that title through the years. Whether you saw her as Brandi in Boyz 'N The Hood, Lisa in Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air, Debbie in Friday or Bird in Soul Food. You fell in love with Nia Long at some point during the 90's and 2000's. And for many of us that has not gone anywhere as she graced our screens over the year. 

I have a perfect story on why Nia Long is still everyone's crush. One time several years ago we were playing charades and the word my brother had was "fine", legit all he said was "Nia Long" and my father yelled out "Fine!" and we got our point lol. A true real life testament to just how much everyone of several generations love some Nia Long.

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5 Date Movies To Watch For V-Day

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and love is in the air. For those who prefer a good date night in the house watching a good movie, this is the blog for you. I decided to emphasize on date's and date night's in this one. So here we are with 5 movies you may want to check out for V-Day.

 5. The Lovebirds

This 2020 Netflix film stars Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani as a couple on the fritz of breaking up. En route to a dinner party they accidentally run into a bicyclist. Little do they know that one moment cascades into the night as they get caught up in a web of chases, orgies, and a murderer on their tail. Which tests their love throughout the night. It's a mixed bag comedy, but just to put some popcorn in the microwave after dinner it is a serviceable film.

4. One Fine Day

One Fine Day is a 1996 film starring Michelle Pfeiffer and George Clooney that technically doesn't feature a date in the movie, but actually it does. The film covers the two as parent's who both have a rough morning causing their respective children to miss the school's field trip bus. They must band together to chaperone the kid's throughout the city as they navigate other responsibilities during the day. Causing the two to grow attracted to one another over the course of the day, and they have impromptu dates where they get to know one another better. 

3. Date Night

This 2010 film starring Steve Carell and Tina Fey I honestly did not appreciate when I first saw it, I felt it was just ok. I watched it maybe a year ago and thought the movie was hilarious and very relatable. The two play a couple who realize their marriage is in a bit of funk going through the motions. They decide to get a babysitter and spend a night in town. At a crowded restaurant, Carell's character Phil claims he is someone else who did not show up, by the end of the night he would regret that. 

2. Blind Date

This 1987 film starring Bruce Willis and Kim Basinger is HILARIOUS in my opinion. It stars Bruce Willis as a workaholic who needs a date for a big work dinner, and is set up with a blind date played by Kim Basinger. He's warned not to let her drink, but he forgets that rule and that leads to a wild night along with her jealous ex on their tail. In the process he learns to live a little and that he actually finds her attractive.

1. Southside With You

This 2016 film stars Tike Sumpter and Parker Sawyer as Michelle and Barack Obama on their very first date back in 1989. They visit museums, community meetings, see a classic movie and get some ice cream. Kicking off a love affair that is still occurring to this day. In the meantime you can see the ambition both have, and the foundation that led to Barack becoming the 44th president of the United States. It's a very inspiring movie that may make guys want to step their date games up.

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Wesley Snipes An Underrated 90's Action Hero

 

Wesley Snipes when you hear the name and think of roles, you think of Blade, Nino Brown (New Jack City), or Sidney Dean (White Men Can't Jump). He has had a long 40 year career that still is quite underrated, and he is also is one of the most underrated action stars ever. When you think of action stars particularly during the 90's Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, Jean Claude Van damme, Bruce Willis  and Steven Seagal are probably the top names you think of. However Wesley Snipes was no slouch in the action genre, in fact he had a good quiet 6 year run as a action hero you may not remember. Let's take a trip down memory lane.

After a star making role as drug lord Nino Brown and then following up with the comedy classic White Men Can't Jump, Snipes showed he was a martial arts master with Passenger 57 in 1992. In the film he plays a former Secret Service agent who is a security consultant, and must save the day when a plane is hijacked in a ploy to release a notorious criminal. The film is probably known for one of his more famous lines. 

He followed up in '93 with Boiling Point and Rising Sun, starring alongside film legends Sean Connery and Dennis Hopper respectively. While those films were more thrillers than straight up action films, he did get to show off his action skills in both films. Then he took a turn in '93 playing one of my favorite film villains ever Simon Phoenix complete with a blonde fade in Demolition man facing off against Sylvester Stallone.

'94 he was back on the side of a hero in the oft-forgotten film Drop Zone as a U.S. Marshal who get's involved in the skydiving culture to catch some crooks. Then in '95 with Woody Harrelson and Jennifer Lopez he was a New York City transit cop caught up in the era of the Money Train. '97 he stepped into the D.C. political corruption and cover-up scene with Murder At 1600 alongside Diane Lane. 

The spring of '98 he starred in U.S. Marshals a sequel to The Fugitive, on the run from Tommy Lee Jone's character Sam Gerard and company. In the film Wesley's character Mark Sheridan show's off his action skills as he tries to clear his name within a government scandal. That film was just a teaser for fan's and what was to come in the summer of 1998 when Blade debuted in theaters. The half-human, half-vampire character essentially set Marvel up on the filmmaking trajectory that would kick off the MCU 10 years later with Iron Man.

With his trademark sunglasses, high powered guns, and katana Blade is arguably the role most synonymous with Wesley Snipes. Just look at how excited fans were when he appeared in Deadpool and Wolverine last summer. It also capped off his run of action films during the 90's and was not a bad way to end that decade. He spent the 2000's and 2010's in mostly B-movie action films, but for the 1990's he was one of the top action stars out there and should start getting his flowers for that. 

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