Fifty years ago, a significant change occurred in the world of comic strips and societal norms when Charlie Brown made a new friend named Franklin. Franklin was the first African American character to be introduced in the Peanuts comic strip, sparking controversy and making a powerful statement during a time of social unrest in America.
The history of Franklin’s creation dates back to 1968 when a California school teacher, Harriet Glickman, wrote to Peanuts creator Charles M. Schulz. Following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Glickman urged Schulz to include African American children in the Peanuts cast, despite potential resistance from newspapers, syndication, and advertisers. Schulz was initially concerned about how this inclusion might be perceived but eventually introduced Franklin to the strip on July 31st, 1968.
Franklin’s first appearance was a simple yet impactful scene where he helped Charlie Brown find a lost beach ball and collaborated with him to build a sandcastle. This seemingly ordinary interaction was revolutionary during a time of racial segregation and civil rights struggles. Despite some negative reactions from readers and editors, Schulz stood firm in his decision to include Franklin in the strip, portraying him as a kind, fair, and multi-dimensional character.
Franklin went on to become a regular in the Peanuts strip and appeared in various media adaptations, such as the 1972 film “Snoopy, Come Home” and the 2015 film “The Peanuts Movie.” While Franklin may not have had the quirky traits of other Peanuts characters, his inclusion was groundbreaking and paved the way for greater diversity and representation in mainstream media.
The story of Franklin’s introduction into the Peanuts comic strip serves as a reminder of the power of inclusive storytelling and the impact of representation in popular culture. Despite facing challenges and resistance, Schulz’s decision to create Franklin as the first black character in the Peanuts universe was a bold and important step towards promoting diversity and equality in the world of comics and beyond. Franklin’s legacy continues to inspire readers and creators alike, reminding us of the importance of embracing and celebrating our differences.
