High school teacher opens up about helping to create first black 'Peanuts' character 47 years ago

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In 1968, following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, a California school-teacher set out to introduce a black character to one of the most-beloved comic strips, and she did just that.

Through a series of typed correspondents, Harriet Glickman petitioned Peanuts creator Charles Shultz to add a “negro child’ into the group of Peanuts characters, which ultimately led to the creation of Franklin Armstrong.

During an interview with theGrio, 88-year-old Glickman explained why she set out to integrate Peanuts.

“Peanuts was the most-popular and most-beloved comic strip of anything that’s been around for many, many years. I thought if anyone could make a difference, I thought it could be Charles Schultz,” Glickman recalled.

November 6, Franklin will appear on the big screen in The Peanuts Movie, voiced by rapper Mar-Mar.

Glickman said that she didn’t realize back in 1968 what she was doing would have such a lasting effect on society, but when she met Mar Mar, she knew her efforts were not in vain.

“When I met Mar Mar, it all became a reality for me. He’s exactly the way I wanted Franklin to be in my mind,” she said. “All these years later, it’s almost impossible to believe my dream came true, and a new generation of kids will get to experience Franklin.”

It took the assassination of MLK to inspire Glickman to call for change in a comic strip. She says when she looks closely at all the racial tension of today, she believes that one person can still make a lasting impact on culture.

“I think what is happening today in a lot of ways is just like what was  happening in the 60’s but in a different way. I just hope that people realize that they can make a difference. If you live your life in a way that respects the needs and the lights of others, you’ll find that people will just want to be involved with your cause.”

12-year-old Mar Mar opened up on what it was like to bring Franklin to life for The Peanuts Movie.

“It’s a real great thing because he’ s the same skin color as me. It just shows people of different colors can come together and be friends. It really doesn’t matter your race.”

“I want to tell young people today to be yourself , don’t let anyone change you,” he added. “When you’re down, there’s always someone to pick you up.”