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.
As we await the highly anticipated revival of The Proud Family, indulge in the misadventures of this beloved Black family via the original series on the Disney+ platform and the upcoming new Disney Deets episode on the YouTube channel. With Women’s History Month coming to an end, 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.