To my knowledge, there was no Black character in the Flintstones franchise until 1986 (about 26 years after the first ever episode!), in the spin-off show. My studies have allowed me to live out my simple childhood imaginations in culturally impactful ways.

 

This is an ongoing series where I draw myself, a Black woman, in various nostalgic cartoon styles — especially in shows lacking in Black representation, even in background characters. This is an important act of both artistic exploration and cultural commentary. It has allowed me to not only study towards eventually developing my own cartoon style, but more importantly, to showcase how diverse features and skin tones can be seamlessly integrated into various artistic styles.

 

This practice not only strengthens my skills in adapting to different visual languages but also contributes to the broader conversation about inclusivity in media. By inserting myself into these worlds, I highlight the gaps in representation and affirm that Black characters deserve to be seen in all genres, from classic animations to modern cartoons.