Black natural hair continues to feature on the big screen, with more characters donning different styles. The afro is one of the most popular hairstyles in the African American community.
And now, we have black cartoon characters rocking afros. The world of cartoons has some amazing characters with afros. Here’s a list of the top 15 cartoon characters with afros that we always remember.
1. Huey Freeman
Cartoon: Boondocks
We begin the list of the best cartoon characters with afros with none other than Huey Freeman. Many remember Huey not only for his hair but also for his serious face. Either he was frowning and shrugging, or Huey had a neutral expression. He possessed a more logical worldview and was somewhat disillusioned.
2. Gerald Martin Johannsen
Cartoon: Hey Arnold
Gerald Martin Johannsen is the next cartoon character donning a cute afro. He is a nice kid who tries his absolute best to see the good in people. Gerald is about 10 years old and is Arnold’s best friend. He appears as an honest and loyal friend in both the movie and TV series. Gerald is the class president and a cool kid.
3. Afro Samurai
Cartoon: Afro Samurai
Imagine a Japanese Samurai cartoon series featuring a black main character! Sound futuristic! It’s great to see black characters getting more notable and global roles, such as Afro Samurai.
In the plot, we learn the one who wears the number 1 headband is the greatest warrior in the world, and they possess powers. In the beginning, Afro’s father owns the number 1 headband and gets killed by the owner of the number 2 headband during a fight. Afro swears to avenge his father’s death, which is where the series begins.
4. Rallo Tubbs
Cartoon: The Cleveland Show
Rallo Tubbs is one of the characters on the hit animated sitcom, The Cleveland Show. It’s interesting to learn his name originates from a pseudonym belonging to his voice actor, Mike Henry. Growing up, Mark used the name to prank-call radio stations. Rallo rocked an afro, and was a wise-cracking, funny 5-year old prankster.
5. Weird Harold
Cartoon: Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids
The 1970s did feature a hilarious animated television series ‘Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids.’ One character was Weird Harold, who was surprisingly called so because of his height. Harold was the tallest of the junkyard kids and also quite clumsy. He wore a gold dress blazer and red socks and enjoyed playing a harp made using old bedsprings.
6. Antonio Madigral
Cartoon: Encanto
Antonio Madigral was a major character in the hit Disney movie Encanto, which premiered in 2021. Antonio was a shy, introverted, and insecure boy who was fearful of not getting a gift. Thankfully, he got a gift that ensured he’d never be alone again.
7. Tip Tucci
Cartoon: Home
Did you know that the voice of Tip Tucci in Home is none other than the multi-talented Rihanna? Now you know!
Tip Tucci, who rocks a cute afro, survives the invasion when an alien race takes over Plant Earth. They relocate the humans to the Australian Outback and inhabit their homes. Tip and her Japanese Bobtail cat Pig drive around the city searching for her mom. She bumps into an alien known as Oh after crashing into a convenience store in search of supplies.
8. Bebe Proud
Cartoon: The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Bebe Proud is one of the twins featured on the hit cartoon series, The Proud Family. Now back for another season, the Disney+ series features twins Bebe and Cece Proud, whose mom is Trudy Proud. Bebe has an afro that covers his face and is always crawling around with a bottle in his mouth. It’s clear the fraternal twins are troublemakers who enjoy playing rough with Penny.
9. Patty Bouvier
Cartoon: The Simpsons
We can’t imagine The Simpsons without Patty Bouvier, a twin to Selma Bouvier. One thing we all know about the identical twins is they were chain smokers with gravel voices. Patty rocked an afro and was never a big fan of her brother-in-law, Homer Simpson. The feeling was mutual since Homer could never stand being around the twins.
10. Suga Mama
Cartoon: The Proud Family
It’s a fact that The Proud Family cartoon series would be incomplete without the sassy Suga Mama. She is always rocking her white afro in two puffs and loves the company of her dog. Suga Mama loathes beating around the bush and is never reluctant to drive her point home.
11. Michael Jackson
Cartoon: The Jackson 5ive
Did you know that the famous band The Jackson Five had a cartoon series that’s a fictional portrayal of their lives? Among the top characters of the cartoon is none other than Michael Jackson rocking an afro!
The pilot of the series starts by introducing the 5 brothers, their producer, and pets. Michael and his brothers are at the height of their stardom and even have the world-famous Diana Ross as a mentor.
12. Vince LaSalle
Cartoon: Recess
Recess was a great cartoon series that took us on a journey as we got to learn more about 6 fourth graders. Among them was Vince, who rocked an afro and was a jock. He was the most physically fit of the bunch and had a superior athletic ability. Vince has a catchphrase, ‘Whompinbobyulah!’ to express surprise.
13. Karma Grant
Cartoon: Karma’s World
We must learn to stay true to ourselves and live our authentic lives. Cartoons have always passed on such crucial information, as seen in the animated series Karma’s World. Karma is a young middle schooler who enjoys singing and rocks a cute afro. She’s always determined not to allow life’s challenges to put her down. Karma hopes to inspire and change the world using her music!
14. Lillian Carter-Grant
Cartoon: Karma’s World
Lillian Carter-Grant features in Karma’s World as Karma’s mom. She’s a warm and lovely woman who’s always there for her daughter. Lillian, who is a doctor, is always willing to offer advice and guidance as Karma navigates middle school and her love for music. She teaches Karma about black women’s hair and hairstyles from their ancestors.
15. Jim Kelly
Cartoon: Black Dynamite
Let’s finish the list by going back in time to 2009 when Black Dynamite graced our screens. It’s a show set in the 1970s, continuing the story of Black Dynamite, Cream Corn, Honey Bee, and Bullhorn. Black Dynamite is easy to identify from the bunch since he is always rocking an afro. The quartet cause trouble and find themselves in numerous misadventures, at times featuring celebrities like Bob Marley.
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