The Obamas' Higher Ground brings Black Girl Power to the Screen

  In 2021 we can look forward to starting a new year with Black Girl Power

President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground, is adapting Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty and illustrator David Roberts into an animated Netflix series. Created by Chris Nee, known for the hit children’s television series Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Little Bill, and others, the show will center on Ada Twist, an 8-year old who happens to be an extremely brilliant, young, Black scientist. There will be themes of friendship, scientific discovery and teamwork. Netflix has ordered 40, 12-minute episodes.

Not only will the show feature a brown-skinned little girl, the animated series will also have Kerri Grant, who has worked as a screenwriter for shows such as Mira, the Royal Detective and Nella the Princess Knight as the showrunner for Ada Twist, Scientist. 

In addition to science-based themes, the series will also feature real scientists. In a recent statement to Deadline, Nee stated, “As a fan of the books, I was taken with the diverse characters, striking designs and vital message that science matters. Plus, Ada fulfills my personal need to populate children’s television with strong girls who aren’t afraid to be the smartest kids in the room. Once Kerri Grant came on board to showrun, I knew we had the dream team to bring this special series to life.” 

Grant is thrilled to be a part of this project as she explained to Deadline, “As a young, curious Black girl who grew up loving TV, I simply became accustomed to rarely seeing images that reflected me onscreen — and the ones that did, represented an anti-intellectual stereotype that led me to hide my own light under a bushel. “To be a part of bringing a show to kids that features a young, Black girl being unapologetically the smartest kid in the room, in a world as diverse and visually stunning as the one created by the book series’ author and illustrator, fills my heart to capacity. Working with Chris Nee, my old boss, and certified preschool TV hit-maker; and Higher Ground and their commitment to representation, dreaming big, and excellence, has been the alignment of so many stars, it’s truly a celestial event.

We can look forward to seeing Ada Twist, Scientist on the screen in 2021.

Doc McStuffins Debuts On Disney Jr.

 In the vast world of television and film, African American parents are constantly looking for positive images for their children.  Now there is a new television show that they can watch. Last Friday, Disney Jr.  introduced a new African American character Doc McStuffins. in a new animated series that models good health, hygiene, compassion and nurturing for kids ages two to seven.  My little nieces ages 3 and 5 are interested in watching this new series, and I will probably watch with them.  Although ethnicity will probably not be mentioned in the show, African American children will see someone who not only looks like them and their family but  also has an important message for young people.   Little girls and even little boys will now have a caring and compassionate character who is also very knowledgeable. The creator, Chris Nee sees the series as an opportunity to introduce children to health issues and foster a positive attitude toward visits to the doctor.  Young children and parents can watch Doc McStuffins weekday mornings at 10am/9c on the Disney Channel and  4 pm on the new Disney Junior Channel.

 The voice cast features Kiara Muhammad as Doc; and Loretta Devine as Hallie. China Anne McClain who is the star of Disney Channel’s hit series “A.N.T. Farm” and a Hollywood Records recording artist sings Doc McStuffins' theme song. The show has been described as “warm and fuzzy stories, each featuring an original song, which introduces a little girl named Doc who can talk to the stuffed animal and toy world — and they talk to her too, especially when they need her help repairing a stitch or bandaging a “boo-boo”.  Along the way, Doc and her friends Stuffy, Lambie, Hallie and Chilly impart helpful tips about self care and care for others, and chase away the worries over visiting the doctor.”

 

DisneyJunior.com will also debut a Doc McStuffins supersite featuring an interactive clinic where kids can assist Doc in nurturing toys back to health, including three new online games and Doc McStuffins-themed crafts.