The unprecedented and unapologetically Black animated series The Proud Family was ahead of its time in bringing diverse representation and social issues – such as family dynamics, body positivity, bullying, women’s empowerment, LGBTQ rights and more- to the screen. As part of an ongoing commitment to amplify Black stories, culture and community beyond just the 28 days of February, Disney+ is kicking off its #BlackHistoryAlways content with an episode of Disney Deets focused on The Proud Family. Beginning Monday and continuing on the 29th of every month, Disney+ will release Black-focused content on its YouTube channel and highlight Black voices in the “Celebrate Black Stories” collection on the homepage of the platform.
Here are 5 fun facts about the Black women behind The Proud Family.
- The iconic theme song marked Solange Knowles’ recording debut and was co-produced by her sister, Beyonce. Destiny’s Child also sang background.
- The show’s two-season run featured an all-star lineup of Black women celebrity cameos, including Raven Symone, Monique, Cicely Tyson, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Solange Knowles.
- Star Kyla Pratt, who was 14 when the show premiered in 2001, says playing Penny Proud helped mold her as a young Black woman and taught her to love her voice.
- The series co-creator, Doreen Spicer-Dannelly got her first writing credit as a writer on ‘Martin’
- Matriarch, Suga Mama is named after the creator’s real life mother.
