Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist
A presentation by author Nancy Goldstein
at the Charles M. Schulz Museum
Saturday, June 19, 1–3 p.m.

May 20, 2010—Santa Rosa, California

Learn about the pioneering life of the gutsy first African American woman cartoonist, Jackie Ormes (1911–85). Author Nancy Goldstein will share the life and art of the trailblazing Ormes at the Charles M. Schulz Museum on Saturday, June 19 from 1–3 p.m. and sign copies of her new book, Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist. 

About the Book
Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist
At a time when men dominated newspaper cartooning, Ormes drew sophisticated, smart, outspoken black women comic characters that defied the "mammy" stereotypes of the era. Nancy Goldstein’s biography takes a glimpse into the social and political culture of the mid-20th century, while exploring the talent of cartoonist Jackie Ormes. From 1937 to 1956, Ormes’ stories and characters—Torchy Brown, Candy, Patty-Jo, and Ginger—engaged readers of African American newspapers, like the Chicago Defender and Pittsburgh Courier. It was through her comics and cartoons that Ormes was also able to express herself politically, which eventually led to an investigation of her by the FBI during the McCarthy era. In the late 1940s, Ormes transformed her cartoon character, Patty-Jo, into a doll that broke away from the stereotypes of the time. In her book, Goldstein also shares with readers 131 of Jackie Ormes’ cartoons and comic strips.

About the Charles M. Schulz Museum & Research Center
The Charles M. Schulz Museum opened in August 2002 to fulfill its mission of preserving, displaying, and interpreting the art of Charles M. Schulz. The Museum carries out this mission through changing exhibitions and programming that build an understanding of cartoonists and cartoon art; illustrate the scope of Schulz’s multi-faceted career; communicate the stories, inspirations and influences of Charles Schulz; and celebrate the life of Charles Schulz and the Peanuts characters.

Press Release Images
Note: If you would like any of the images in this release at a higher resolution to print in a publication, contact Gina Huntsinger at gina@schulzmuseum.org.