Image is everything, especially when it comes to children. The images created to influence and entertain impressionable young minds help kids define who they are. So when they see someone who looks like them on screen, teaching them a lesson or explaining a worry away, it leaves a huge impression. Today the number of African-American characters on television show just how far we’ve come. The Atlanta Post has gathered a few who are leaving their mark on future generations.
Kevin Clash
Kevin Clash is the man behind the monster known as Elmo. The incredibly popular “Sesame Street” mainstay was Clash’s first main character on the children’s program, but he’s been a part of the show since 1984. He took over as Elmo upon his formal introduction in November of 1985. Since then Clash has been awarded 9 Daytime Emmys for his performance as Elmo and Hoot the Owl. In 2006 he wrote an autobiography titled, “My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud”.
Christopher Knowings
Christopher Knowings’ character Chris Robinson has resided on “Sesame Street” since 2006 as nephew to Gordon and Susan. Since he moved in he has become one of the most recognizable humans on the block. He was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award in 2009. The Bronx native was a familiar face even before his current address change. He was introduced to audiences on Spike Lee’s film, “Crooklyn”, and then starred in the Nickelodeon series “Taina”.
Cymphonique Miller
Keeping showbiz in the family Master P’s son Lil Romeo Miller, set the tone for children’s television with a self titled show on Nickelodeon. And it seems the network has an enduring relationship with the Millers because Cymphonique Miller, daughter of Percy, recently announced her Nickelodeon show. The artist also known as Lil Miss Swagger also scored a record deal with Sony Music. The 13-year old is the third teen star to be signed under the new Nickelodeon/Sony pact.
Bill Cosby
In 1999 America’s favorite dad, Bill Cosby, introduced us to his animated “son” Little Bill. The television series Cosby created was based on the character in his book series. As part of the Nickelodeon family “Little Bill” aired from 1999 to 2004, although the moral lessons can still be learned in syndication. Little Bill also can be found in the video game titled “Little Bill THINKS BIG!”
Keke Palmer
Keke Palmer first caught our attention as Akeelah Anderson in the acclaimed feature film “Akeelah and the Bee”. But in 2008 Palmer transformed into the star of the popular Nickelodeon series “True Jackson, VP”. The two time NAACP Image Award winner reportedly earns $20,000 per episode, making her the fourth highest paid child star on television.
Carlos Knight
South Carolina native Carlos Knight plays Owen Reynolds on Nickelodeon’s “Supah Ninjas”. He caught the acting bug early on; his talents were showcased during an industry convention in Atlanta and his agent quickly snatched him up. Before landing at Nick Knight worked on “Southland”, “ER” and the film, “Down for Life”.
Anika Noni Rose
In 2009 Anika Noni Rose made history as the first African American princess for Disney. She was the voice and inspiration for Princess Tiana, the main character in “The Princess and the Frog”. The Tony Award winning actress who was best known for her role in the feature film Dreamgirls, was recently named a Disney Legend for her historic contribution.
Brandon Mychal Smith
Brandon Mychal Smith is the 22 year old star of Disney’s “So Random”. The sketch comedy series is an offshoot of the popular show “Sonny with a Chance”. Smith, a Los Angeles native, recognized his acting chops in elementary school. He continued his education through one year at Hampton University before devoting himself fully to acting.
Roscoe Orman
Everybody knows Gordon Robinson from “Sesame Street”. The character has maintained the African American male presence on the block from the beginning. Although the character premiered in 1969, Roscoe Orman stepped into Gordon’s shoes in 1973 and has become the Gordon most of us know and love. Orman, a native New Yorker, was a teacher before he made acting his career. In addition to acting Orman is an author, penning the memoir “Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of An Actor”, and the children’s book “Ricky and Mobo”. He is also the chief storyteller for Audiblekids.com.
Loretta Long
Susan Robinson was Big Bird’s first friend on “Sesame Street” and the mother figure so many children clung to decade after decade. Since 1969 the role of Susan has been played by Loretta Long. She’s one of only three cast members who has been a part of the show since its inception. Susan is married to Gordon on Sesame Street. Their relationship has been one of the most enduring images of black love on TV. Long holds her doctorate degree in education and taught before joining the cast. Unfortunately last year the children’s television legend was injured in a car accident. She remains on the mend.
