‘WAIT! Isn’t cartooning supposed to be fun?!’: Little Barbara Brandon’s earliest lessons

This publication features a creative presentation of findings from interviews conducted with Barbara Brandon-Croft, the first African American woman to have a nationally syndicated newspaper comic strip in the United States, Where I’m Coming From (1989–2005). This article begins with an introduction to the historical contributions of women and Black American cartoonists. Afterward, it presents a detailed overview of (Barbara’s father) Brumsic Brandon, Jr.’s works as an activist, animator, cartoonist and television personality on numerous concurrent projects. Next, a similar review of Barbara Brandon-Croft’s accomplishments is offered. These results are part of a study that answers the following research questions: (1) how do stereotypes influence social interactions and communications amongst media industry professionals and stakeholders? (2) How have the social experiences, professional training and educational backgrounds of media industry professionals informed the choices they make in their specific roles within the media industry? The feature comic focuses on findings about Barbara’s formative years and incorporates them into the narrative and illustrations. It serves as a preview of a graphic history book project that focuses on early moments in cartoonists’ lives. This book will illustrate the backstories that changed each cartoonist’s subjective world-view. It will reveal how these pivotal moments caused them to form beliefs that influence their reactions to stereotypes, their choice to tackle or avoid stereotypes and their decisions concerning how to use or portray stereotypes in their media projects.