Meet the Woman Who Pushed for a Black Character to Join the “Peanuts” Gang

There’s almost no chance you don’t know who the Peanuts gang are. Even if you’re too young to realize that they were born as comics, and even though there isn’t an updated version on Nickelodeon, the holiday specials have pretty much ensured that Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest are forever lodged in American culture.

In 1968, though, the Peanuts gang were anything but nostalgic history. At the height of its popularity, Charles Schulz and the world he created were about to break barriers with the introduction of its first African American character, Franklin Armstrong.

It was April of 1968 when Los Angeles-area schoolteacher Harriet Glickman, who thought media had a role in shaping the views and attitudes of children, wrote a letter to Schulz:

Image Credit: Charles M. Schulz Museum

“Since the death of Martin Luther King, I’ve been asking myself what I can do to help change those conditions in our society which led to the assassination and which contribute to the vast seas of misunderstanding, fear, hate, and violence. …the introduction of Negro children into the group of Schulz characters could happen with a minimum of impact. The gentleness of the kids … even Lucy, is a perfect setting. The baseball games, kite-flying … yes, even the Psychiatric Service cum Lemonade Stand would accommodate the idea smoothly.”

Schulz replied to the letter, telling Glickman what he would “like very much to be able to do this,” but confessed that he and other cartoonists were “afraid that it would look like we were patronizing our Negro friends.”

Image Credit: Charles M. Schulz Museum

He told her he didn’t know what the solution was, and Glickman took that as a challenge to help him figure it out. She offered to pose the question to some of her Negro friends and get back to him, to which Schulz replied that he would be “very anxious to hear what your friends think of my reasons for not including a Negro character in the strip.”

They corresponded back and forth for some weeks, and the letters culminated in a strip, to be published on July 31, 1968, that Schulz told Glickman he thought would please her.

Franklin Armstrong entered the Peanuts strip that day, the first Black and first minority character to appear in any major, mainstream comic strip.

Image Credit: Fair Use

Later in his career, Schulz spoke about the particular strips featuring Franklin that received pushback from his editors.

“There was one strip where Charlie Brown and Franklin had been playing on the beach, and Franklin said, ‘Well, it’s been nice being with you, come on over to my house some time,’” Schulz recalled. “[My editors] didn’t like that. Another editor protested once when Franklin was sitting in the same row of school desks with Peppermint Patty, and said, ‘We have enough trouble here in the South without you showing the kids together in school.’ But I never paid any attention to those things, and I remember telling [United Features president] Larry [Rutman] at the time about Franklin—he wanted me to change it, and we talked about it for a long while on the phone, and I finally sighed and said, ‘Well, Larry, let’s put it this way: Either you print it just the way I draw it or I quit. How’s that?’ So that’s the way that ended.”

When Harriet Glickman passed in 2020, the director of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Karen Johnson, wrote about the woman she says is a hero.

“Heroes are hard to come by. I admire a lot of people, but not to the extent to call them a hero. But Harriet Glickman truly is MY hero.”

As far as Harriet, she was proud of Franklin, too, calling him her “third child.”

I love this story because it shows what can be accomplished when people take the time to listen to people who are different from them, to have an open and honest dialogue about a perceived impasse, and then work together to find a way to topple it effectively.

I’m not surprised at all that the Peanuts gang teaches us this one last lesson – it is, after all, what they do best.

The post Meet the Woman Who Pushed for a Black Character to Join the “Peanuts” Gang appeared first on UberFacts.

Meet the Woman Who Pushed for a Black Character to Join the “Peanuts” Gang

There’s almost no chance you don’t know who the Peanuts gang are. Even if you’re too young to realize that they were born as comics, and even though there isn’t an updated version on Nickelodeon, the holiday specials have pretty much ensured that Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the rest are forever lodged in American culture.

In 1968, though, the Peanuts gang were anything but nostalgic history. At the height of its popularity, Charles Schulz and the world he created were about to break barriers with the introduction of its first African American character, Franklin Armstrong.

It was April of 1968 when Los Angeles-area schoolteacher Harriet Glickman, who thought media had a role in shaping the views and attitudes of children, wrote a letter to Schulz:

Image Credit: Charles M. Schulz Museum

“Since the death of Martin Luther King, I’ve been asking myself what I can do to help change those conditions in our society which led to the assassination and which contribute to the vast seas of misunderstanding, fear, hate, and violence. …the introduction of Negro children into the group of Schulz characters could happen with a minimum of impact. The gentleness of the kids … even Lucy, is a perfect setting. The baseball games, kite-flying … yes, even the Psychiatric Service cum Lemonade Stand would accommodate the idea smoothly.”

Schulz replied to the letter, telling Glickman what he would “like very much to be able to do this,” but confessed that he and other cartoonists were “afraid that it would look like we were patronizing our Negro friends.”

Image Credit: Charles M. Schulz Museum

He told her he didn’t know what the solution was, and Glickman took that as a challenge to help him figure it out. She offered to pose the question to some of her Negro friends and get back to him, to which Schulz replied that he would be “very anxious to hear what your friends think of my reasons for not including a Negro character in the strip.”

They corresponded back and forth for some weeks, and the letters culminated in a strip, to be published on July 31, 1968, that Schulz told Glickman he thought would please her.

Franklin Armstrong entered the Peanuts strip that day, the first Black and first minority character to appear in any major, mainstream comic strip.

Image Credit: Fair Use

Later in his career, Schulz spoke about the particular strips featuring Franklin that received pushback from his editors.

“There was one strip where Charlie Brown and Franklin had been playing on the beach, and Franklin said, ‘Well, it’s been nice being with you, come on over to my house some time,’” Schulz recalled. “[My editors] didn’t like that. Another editor protested once when Franklin was sitting in the same row of school desks with Peppermint Patty, and said, ‘We have enough trouble here in the South without you showing the kids together in school.’ But I never paid any attention to those things, and I remember telling [United Features president] Larry [Rutman] at the time about Franklin—he wanted me to change it, and we talked about it for a long while on the phone, and I finally sighed and said, ‘Well, Larry, let’s put it this way: Either you print it just the way I draw it or I quit. How’s that?’ So that’s the way that ended.”

When Harriet Glickman passed in 2020, the director of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center, Karen Johnson, wrote about the woman she says is a hero.

“Heroes are hard to come by. I admire a lot of people, but not to the extent to call them a hero. But Harriet Glickman truly is MY hero.”

As far as Harriet, she was proud of Franklin, too, calling him her “third child.”

I love this story because it shows what can be accomplished when people take the time to listen to people who are different from them, to have an open and honest dialogue about a perceived impasse, and then work together to find a way to topple it effectively.

I’m not surprised at all that the Peanuts gang teaches us this one last lesson – it is, after all, what they do best.

The post Meet the Woman Who Pushed for a Black Character to Join the “Peanuts” Gang appeared first on UberFacts.

Classical Art Memes That Are Just Really Hilarious

I gotta say, these classical art memes are GOOD.

They’re funny, they’re fresh, and just when you think you’ve seen them all, a new batch like this one hits you right between the eyes.

And I mean that in a good way!

So enjoy this new collection! We think you’re gonna laugh a lot!

1. You did it!

We’re very proud of you.

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

2. She wants nothing to do with this guy.

Can you really blame her?

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

3. This is taking it wayyyyy back.

Eminem’s forefathers also talked a lot of trash.

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

4. Those kids in the back were trouble.

All kinds of shenanigans back there.

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

5. This is actually what people used to say.

It’s true! Look it up!

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

6. Why are you doing this to me?

I can’t take it anymore!

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

7. That guy was a real jokester!

Always giving his buddies the business!

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

8. We got you covered.

They’re gonna love this one…

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

9. You don’t seem like you’re fine.

I’m just looking out for you…

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

10. Not exactly classic, but still old.

And still funny!

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

11. Oh no, now you’re in trouble…

Don’t say a word!

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

12. I am really not prepared for this.

Do you remember doing this?

Photo Credit: pleated-jeans

What memes have really made you laugh lately?

Do us a  favor and share them with us in the comments.

We’d really appreciate it, friends!

The post Classical Art Memes That Are Just Really Hilarious appeared first on UberFacts.

Enjoy This Artist’s Totally Weird and Absurd Comics

The more time you spend on Instagram, the more it becomes apparent…there are some really strange and funny artists out there.

And a guy who goes by the name Chris (Simpsons artist) comes up with all kinds of odd, funny, and sometimes disturbing illustrations that we think you should check out…if you dare.

Are you ready to be titillated, creeped out, and entertained at the same time?

Well, we think this guy’s work hits the spot. Let’s take a look.

1. Do you think you can pull this off?

You might as well give it a shot…

2. Here’s how you can enjoy Halloween.

Try it next time October rolls around!

3. Random act of kindness.

They love it when you do this.

4. I never saw this version, but now I’m intrigued.

A new spin on an old classic.

5. I think I’m gonna throw up.

I really did not see that coming.

6. This also makes me want to be sick.

What’s wrong with this guy?!?! I mean that in a good way…

7. Why I love my mother.

Now it’s your turn!

8. Here’s some good life advice.

Give it a shot!

9. April Fools Day!

It just might work…

10. Goodbye, my children.

It was fun while it lasted…

11. Isn’t sleeping just the best?

Well, on second thought…

Okay, now we want to hear from you.

First of all, tell us what you think of this guy’s illustrations.

Secondly, tell us about some other artists that you think we should be following on social media.

We’d really appreciate it! Thanks a lot!

The post Enjoy This Artist’s Totally Weird and Absurd Comics appeared first on UberFacts.

Check Out These Hidden Meanings in Popular Movies

We often don’t think about the little details when we’re watching a movie because we’re focused on the story and the characters, so hearing about how the magic comes to the screen is fascinating.

Start popping the popcorn and look out for these 10 hidden stories from these iconic movie moments. These surprised even me, a huge movie buff!

1. Well played

The only girl in Dumbledore’s army in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007) who isn’t wearing a skirt is Ginny. Her pants are likely hand-me-downs from her brothers.

An interesting bit of character development.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

2. Translation please

The language the aliens speak in Men in Black (1997) is the same language  Jabba the Hutt speaks in the Star Wars movies.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

3. Symbolism

In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), anyone who attempts to kill Indy is wearing a flower on their lapel.

Who knew flowers could be sinister.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

4. Well deserved

In Deadpool 2 (2018), Ruth Bader Ginsberg is one of the people considered for a spot.

She is a legend and would have been a great member of the team.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

5. Clever

You can notice new things every time you watch The Matrix.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

6. It’s the eyes TBH

The little girl with Angelina Jolie is her daughter.

She was cast because the children auditioning were afraid of Angelina in the makeup, but her daughter wasn’t.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

7. That’s deep

The reason Bruce Wayne isn’t wearing a mask at the masked ball is because he thinks of Batman as his real identity and Bruce Wayne his disguise.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

8. Clever

Asterix shows a number to Obelix with his hand by presenting the Roman numeral instead of a number of fingers in Asterix Conquers Rome (1976)

Image Credit: Bored Panda

9. Chilling

In Inglorious Bastards (2009), the Colonel holds the wrists of the women to take their pulses and uncover their anxiety.

He’s trying to detect if they are hiding something.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

10.That explains it

The community in Moana (2006) return from their travels wearing tattoos because they learned how to do them while they were away.

Image Credit: Bored Panda

From now on I’m going to be wondering about the back stories of movies as I watch them.

What’s your favorite little-known trivia about a movie? Let us know in the comments.

The post Check Out These Hidden Meanings in Popular Movies appeared first on UberFacts.

This Guy is a Master at Photoshopping Himself Into Stock Photos

If you spend enough time online, you see a lot of the same stock photos over and over and over again. A lot of times, they’re pretty dull and unintentionally funny.

But not anymore, friends!

That’s because a guy named Matthew who runs the Facebook page “The Stock Photobomber” hilariously Photoshops himself into stock photos and the results are gonna make you laugh in a major way.

Let’s see what this fella has been up to, shall we?

1. Looks like one hell of a party.

Are you having a good time?

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Monday, November 23, 2020

2. A good time for some noodles.

I wonder if this attempt was successful.

Title: Man feeding woman lo mein while body surfing

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Wednesday, January 6, 2016

3. Pile on in!

This does not look very comfortable.

Title: Acrobat phoning it in

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Thursday, February 11, 2016

4. He’s busy with work…

That guy doesn’t look thrilled about it.

Happy Thanksgiving! Love The Stock Photobomber

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Wednesday, November 25, 2015

5. Wow. You really went there, huh?

Well, you did what you had to do.

Title: Drunk having sexual relations with a snowman

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Tuesday, February 24, 2015

6. You’re going to cause an accident, dude.

Put that thing away!

Title: Man sending mother over the edge with recorder "concerto"

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Friday, February 6, 2015

7. It’s time to vacuum Grandpa’s head again.

Twice a day, every day.

Title: Man vacuums grandparents

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Thursday, January 15, 2015

8. They don’t look like they’re enjoying this.

Not at all, actually.

Title: Parents taking picture with son's "friend"

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Thursday, December 26, 2013

9. Who’s the creeper in the background?

Definitely a lurker…

Title: Man discreetly using the ocean as a bathroom

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Friday, November 22, 2013

10. Oh, no! There he goes!

I don’t think she even realized what she just did.

Title: Man sent to his death by enthusiastic gesture

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Wednesday, November 20, 2013

11. I’m sure she appreciated this.

I just hope you know her…

Title: Man enjoying girlfriend's pits

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Monday, November 18, 2013

12. Three’s a crowd.

Hey! Down from there!

Title: Man being third wheel

Posted by The Stock Photobomber on Monday, November 18, 2013

Those are totally hilarious, am I right?

Of course, I’m right! I’m always right!

And now we want to hear from you.

In the comments, tell us about some more funny pages you like to follow on social media.

We look forward to it!

The post This Guy is a Master at Photoshopping Himself Into Stock Photos appeared first on UberFacts.

Funny Drawings of Internet-Famous Cat Photos

If there’s one thing that we all know is true, it’s that cat memes and photos are everywhere and they are delightful.

Don’t even try to deny it!

Well, if you happen to love those famous cat images (which we’re sure you do), then we know you’re REALLY going to love these drawings done by an artist that goes by the name of Tactooncat.

The artist hails from Indonesia and they illustrate famous cat photos in their own style…and they’re really wonderful!

Be sure to click on the arrow on the right in the post so you can see the original photo.

Enjoy!

1. Just struttin’ on by.

This one is a classic.

2. I always feel like…

Somebody’s watching me…

3. I got some new friends!

Well, isn’t this wholesome?!?!

4. The good, old face smush.

Just take a load off, okay?

5. Barely hanging in there.

That’s what friends are for.

6. I bet you can’t wait for this to be over.

Can we just end this thing NOW?

7. Almost ready for the runway.

You look fabulous!

8. All alone with your thoughts.

A time to reflect…

9. Get that camera out of my face!

This cat isn’t messing around.

10. Who says cats don’t like water?

This kitty is proving everyone wrong.

11. This looks a little bit obscene.

I’m not gonna lie…

Who are your favorite artists that you follow on social media?

Do us a favor and share some links with us in the comments of folks you think we’d like.

Please and thank you!

The post Funny Drawings of Internet-Famous Cat Photos appeared first on UberFacts.

Artist Uses Dirty Vehicles to Create His Unique Pieces

It’s not every day you see this kind of artwork.

But that’s what makes an artist named Nikita Golubev so unique. Golubev lives in Russia and when he sees a car or a truck covered in dirt and mud, he sees a blank canvass on which he can share his drawings with anyone who happens to be in the area…and for those of us who follow his Instagram page.

Golubev says, “I just wanted to start up something new, to work fast on big surfaces. And dirty trucks helped me with that. It became some kind of giant sketchbook, which I share with people.”

And we’re sure happy that he does share it! Let’s take a look at his work.

1. Is that Free Willy?

I thought so!

2. Up, up, and away!

I, for one, can’t wait for summer…

3. Beware of the lobster claws.

You don’t want to get pinched, do you?

4. Some kind of mechanical mouse creature.

Sort of creepy, don’t you think?

5. This is going to be an epic battle.

Who will come out on top?

6. This one is really cool.

And a little bit creepy.

7. Praying hands.

Send some of those thoughts our way!

8. Dancing in a circle.

A nice break from the workday.

9. Time to float away.

Just make sure to come back…

10. Cheers to all of us!

Let’s have a safe and happy 2021.

11. I think you forgot something.

You gotta catch that truck if you want your phone back!

12. Here’s some video of the man in action.

Very cool!

Okay, now we want to hear from all the readers out there.

Do you have any talented artists that you like to follow on Instagram or Twitter?

If so, please tell us about them in the comments and share some links with us.

Thanks a lot!

The post Artist Uses Dirty Vehicles to Create His Unique Pieces appeared first on UberFacts.