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My People, My People! Couple Honored For Six Decades Of Developing Animated Content For Black Children Around The World

by Lauren Hill

October 30, 2021 499 views
 

Legendary Hollywood producer, director, and animator Leo Sullivan and his wife Ethelyn O. Stewart Sullivan, having worked together for 60 years uplifting and informing Black families through animated interactive content, were honored by the Rev. Jesse Jackson’s “Operation Push” with a “Legacy Award” for their outstanding lifetime achievements.

The Sullivans have operated under the brand Afrokids, AfroKids.com and AfroKids.TV. The couple realized early on that, in this fast-paced world, families need a place that is both educational and entertaining with positive images and role models where Black children can see themselves in a positive way. “Our message is just as relevant today, as it was in the ’60s,” says Leo.

Leo Sullivan was one of the early Black pioneers in animation design, having directed and produced “Hey, Hey, Hey It's Fat Albert,” the first “Soul Train” episode, “Scooby Doo” and many others. In a combined career that spans over a century, the couple is embarking on new ventures to expand their reach and continue to produce unique media and learning aids.

Also operating under LeoSullivanMultimediaInc.com, the couple developed the Afrokids® brand with the mission of building Black children's self-esteem and cultural awareness so that they can better learn from life lessons; respect others and themselves, and take responsibility for their own actions. Their numerous educational videos have targeted kids ranging from 5-17 years old and have also been distributed nationally to schools and libraries.

Leo has also managed animation studios in China and the Philippines. They now are establishing partnerships and affiliations with organizations and individuals that share the same mission. Ethelyn was a retired Deputy Chief of Budget for the United States Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center in El Segundo, CA, Ethelyn and now serves as Chief Financial Officer of Leo Sullivan Multimedia, Inc.


View other installments in the My People, My People! series.

 
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Lauren Hill
Freelance Writer
 

 

 

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