Franklin Armstrong, the first Black character in Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts, holds an understated but significant place in the comic strip’s history. Introduced on July 31, 1968, Franklin was created after a teacher named Harriet Glickman suggested adding a Black character to the strip. Schulz approached the idea carefully, emphasizing that Franklin should not be a stereotype but simply a child interacting naturally with the other kids. His calm, friendly personality and thoughtful demeanor made him an immediate and enduring presence in the Peanuts universe.
While Franklin initially appeared without a last name, Schulz later decided to give him one. He chose “Armstrong” as a tribute to cartoonist Robb Armstrong, a friend and protégé of Schulz. In the 1990s, Schulz called Robb Armstrong to ask permission to use his surname for Franklin, and Robb graciously agreed. This thoughtful gesture honored their friendship and highlighted the respect Schulz had for his fellow cartoonist. Robb Armstrong later co-wrote the 2024 Apple TV+ special Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin, which centers on Franklin’s introduction to Charlie Brown and his friends, further cementing the connection between the real-life cartoonist and the beloved character.
From his careful creation in 1968 to the honoring of Robb Armstrong decades later, Franklin Armstrong represents both social progress and personal friendship—a quietly powerful presence in the world of Peanuts.
1st Black 'Peanuts' character Franklin gets new statue: Here's how he joined series in 1968
Comments
0 comment