{"id":8698,"date":"2022-09-07T14:40:14","date_gmt":"2022-09-07T14:40:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine.watchjaro.com\/?p=8698"},"modified":"2023-07-21T22:55:31","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T22:55:31","slug":"peanuts-worldwide-is-supporting-black-animators-at-hbcus-with-new-100k-endowment-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine.watchjaro.com\/peanuts-worldwide-is-supporting-black-animators-at-hbcus-with-new-100k-endowment-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Peanuts Worldwide Is Supporting Black Animators At HBCUs With New $100K Endowment Project"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Peanuts Worldwide is supporting Black animators at HBCUs with a new $100,000 endowment project, reports Black Enterprise<\/a>. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1968, the first Black character, Franklin Armstrong, was introduced to the legendary comic strip Peanuts<\/em> by its creator Charles M. Schulz. With setback from the studio, Schulz stood his ground and threatened to quit working on Peanuts<\/em> entirely if they refused to allow a Black character in the comics. In many ways, Franklin served as a trailblazer for Black animators, who as of 2019 still only made up about 4% of the industry.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Armstrong Project,\u201d which coincides with what would have been the 100th birthday of Charles Schulz, takes its name from both Franklin the character and Schulz\u2019s longtime friend and Jumpstart<\/em> cartoonist Robb Armstrong. Armstrong spoke at Comic Con about how esteemed he is to have the project carry his last name. \u201cWhen \u2018Sparky\u2019 (Schulz) told me he wanted to use my last name for Franklin, it was a life-changing moment. This was someone who had inspired me, and I was truly honored,\u201d he said.<\/strong> \u201cThe Armstrong Project is, at its heart, something that allows dreams to come true.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two recipients of the initiative have already been selected from Hampton University and Howard University. Both have been granted a $10,000 scholarship, corporate mentorship, and a potential internship opportunity in animation and related fields.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Promise Robinson, the 21-year-old Hampton recipient, is inspired by Armstrong\u2019s guidance on how to develop a project. \u201cMr. Armstrong says to start with dynamic characters. So I just want to start there and see where it takes me. I\u2019m definitely looking to be very inclusive in my stories,\u201d said Robinson.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

19-year-old Howard recipient Hailey Cartwright spoke about the significance of Franklin\u2019s character and how grateful she is to be a part of the legacy. \u201cIf Franklin had never been introduced to the Peanuts<\/em> series, I can\u2019t fathom how different my life would be. If he wasn\u2019t there, in the direction I want to take my career in animation, would I even have a chance? I just wonder,\u201d Cartwright pondered. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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