Morrie Turner
December 23, 1923 - January 25, 2014
(Creator of the first African American syndicated strip with an integrated cast of characters)
Morrie Turner is best known for his creation of the "Wee Pals"comic strip in 1965. The 60's were a difficult time for bringing Black characters to comics. When he began to question why there were no minorities in cartoons and comic strips, his mentor, Charles M. Schulz of Peanuts fame, suggested he create one. Morrie's hope was to create characters and a world without prejudice, a world in which people's differences--race, religion, gender, and physical and mental ability--were cherished not scorned. In 1965, only five major newspapers published the strip. In 1968 after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Wee Pals achieved nationwide acceptance. Within three months of King's death, the strip was appearing in over 100 newspapers nationwide. Morrie Turner went on to create several books featuring the Wee Pals characters.
No comments:
Post a Comment