Zelda “Jackie” Ormes was a powerful artist. It’s not because she was the first syndicated Black cartoonist in the nation. It’s not even because she taught herself to draw.
Using her character, Torchy Brown, Ormes originally helped tell the stories of our Blackness during the Great Migration. This helped many southerners – men AND women – see themselves in a positive light, even while they worked hard to adjust to life in the North. But she took her work even further.
She created strong women characters that held their own political views and spoke against racism. Her work led to the creation of a doll, Patty Jo, which was the first time Black girls got to see their likenesses in dolls in a positive light, not as a pickaninny or imbecile.
Even as this country moved into the 1950s, Ormes’ women characters defied the norm. They challenged views on racism, sexism, and the environment. Her work was so influential, and tackled so many political issues, she was investigated by the FBI! Her work changed the game.
Ormes’ work helped us to see our people in a positive light through the eyes of intelligent, brave and beautiful Black women. As we continue our fight for liberation, we must remember that even though Black women are often looked down upon, we are capable of greatness!