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Tagged With: Black Lives Matter

Kids Are Ready for the Tough Conversations ANIMATIONWorld

‘Karma’s World’: An Invaluable Education in Black Character Animation

Series head writer Halcyon Person shares how Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges’ hit children’s show pushes boundaries and tell stories never told before in animation, representing both the Black experience and Black culture of a true Brooklyn neighborhood; Season 4 now streaming on Netflix.

Diversity in Animation Headline News

Inaugural FLAMIN Animations Artists Debut Their Work

Group’s commissioned shorts premiered at the recent TNBFC’s event showcasing Black creatives; program’s second round confirmed, with its call for submissions running April 20-July 5, 2022.

Awards Headline News

‘Lift While We Climb’ Themed 'Black in Animation Awards Show' Coming November 14

Black Women Animate’s initiative honors Black people in animation who are blazing a trail to the future; honorees include Disney TVA’s Jay Francis, Mounia Aram Company’s Mounia Aram, ‘Craig of the Creek’ storyboard artist Tiffany Ford, and veteran animator Dan Hasket.

Diversity in Animation Headline News

FLAMIN Animations Announces Four Artist Commissions

Sponsored by Film London and Arts Council England, the program aims to support black-identifying animators living in the UK; selected artists will receive £2,500 each along with mentoring opportunities, development support, and advice, to create 1–3-minute animations that will premiere on the Film London website in Winter 2021.

Diversity in Animation Headline News

Open Call: FLAMIN Animations UK Project Commissions

Program sponsored by Film London and Arts Council England aims to support four black-identifying animators living in the UK by providing project development help, mentorship, and financing; applications deadline is June 22.

Casting Diversity Headline News

Matt Groening Addresses ‘The Simpsons’ Re-Casting Moves

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 7:53am

In a new BBC interview, the iconic show’s creator shares his support for the decision to replace Harry Shearer in the role of Dr. Hibbert, agreeing that change is needed, not just with actors, but the entire industry.

Voice Acting Headline News

Kevin Michael Richardson Replaces Harry Shearer as Dr. Hibbert on ‘The Simpsons’

By Dan Sarto | Monday, February 22, 2021 at 3:19pm

Following last June’s announcement that white actors would no longer voice Black characters on the show, producers reveal that starting with next week’s episode, Richardson will take over the role Shearer has voiced for over 30 years.

Ta Ta For Now Headline News

‘The Mandalorian’ Star Gina Carano Dropped by Lucasfilm, UTA, and ID PR

The popular actress’ career may be kaput following the questionable decision to share a social media message comparing the treatment of Republicans in America to Jews in Nazi Germany.

Black Lives Matter Headline News

Kickstarter for ‘Art of Change’ Book by 100 Artists to Support Black Lives

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 4:19pm

Animation executives Dawn Yamazi and Deb Stone are publishing a collection of themed works from animation, illustration, and fine artists designed to support and inspire a narrative through art.

Awards Headline News

‘Honoring Our Stories’ Themed 'Black in Animation Awards Show' Coming December 6

Black Women Animate and Cartoon Network Studios launch new initiative to recognize and honor Black people in animation who are blazing a trail to the future.

His Voice Will Be Heard! Headline News

John Boyega Calls Out Disney for Pushing Aside Characters of Color

The actor experienced extreme online racial abuse and bullying because of his lead role of Finn in the recent ‘Star Wars’ films and claims Disney should have done something about it.

#FlyLikeThem Headline News

Lucasfilm Celebrates the Tuskegee Airmen with Educational Initiative #FlyLikeThem

‘Double Victory: The Tuskegee Airmen at War’ now available online in run up to Veterans Day, November 11; the film is accompanied by all new educational curriculum guide for grades 6-12.

Diversity in Casting ANIMATIONWorld

Arif Zahir Breaks Out as the New Cleveland Brown on ‘Family Guy’

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at 2:12pm

The actor known as Azerzz to his 6.2 million YouTube followers lands his dream role voicing the hit animated series character behind the impression he’s been perfecting for years.

SVOD Headline News

WATCH: Carl Jones and Brian Ash’s ‘Sugar and Toys’ Season 2 Premiere

By Dan Sarto | Monday, September 21, 2020 at 11:18am

FUSE’s adult animated sketch comedy take on Saturday morning cartoons is back, from two of the creatives who brought us ‘Black Dynamite’ and ‘The Boondocks,’ with new episodes running every Sunday evening.

Get Out and Vote! Headline News

WIA Issues Call to Vote, Support for Voting Rights in New Open Letter

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 9:15am

Women in Animation president Marge Dean reflects on hard fought efforts to win voting rights for the disenfranchised, urging everyone spend the next 60 days preparing to vote as well as supporting the voting rights of others; organization posts downloadable Voting Resource Guide highlighting how you can help make everyone’s voice heard.

BLM Headline News

Ayo Edebiri Replacing Jenny Slate as Missy on ‘Big Mouth’

By Dan Sarto | Friday, August 28, 2020 at 8:36am

Actor and comedian also joins the writers' room for Season 5; move comes two months after show creators apologized for casting white actors in roles for people of color with promise to make changes and be more responsible moving forward.

#BLM Headline News

‘Squidbillies’ Actor Stuart Baker Fired for Offensive Facebook Posts

By Dan Sarto | Monday, August 17, 2020 at 5:16pm

Series creators Jim Fortier and Dave Willis announce the move on Twitter in response to longtime cast member’s comments about legendary singer and actress Dolly Parton and Black Lives Matter.

BLM Headline News

Emmy Raver-Lampman Takes Over Role of Molly on ‘Central Park’

‘Umbrella Academy’ actress joins Loren Bouchard’s Apple TV series one month after he pledged to find a Black or biracial actress to play the character amid a continuing reckoning over representation in the industry.

Black Lives Matter ANIMATIONWorld

Parody in the Age of BLM: Carl Jones and Brian Ash Talk ‘Sugar and Toys’ Season 2

By Dan Sarto | Monday, July 13, 2020 at 1:22pm

With a new season of their satirical adult animated sketch comedy show coming soon to Fuse TV, the ‘Black Dynamite’ and ‘The Boondocks’ producers discuss being funny, and controversial, in a Black Lives Matter and pandemic-focused world.  

BLM Headline News

‘Big Mouth’ and ‘Central Park’ Will Recast Jenny Slate and Kristen Bell with Black Actors

By Dan Sarto | Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at 5:11pm

Creators of both animated comedies apologize for casting white actors in roles for people of color, promising to make changes and be more responsible on such issues moving forward.