Jackie Ormes Drew National Attention as the First Black Woman Cartoonist to Inspire, Entertain and Empower Through the Pittsburgh Courier

First Black Woman Cartoonist Published Nationwide

Jackie Ormes changed American media by becoming the first known Black woman cartoonist published coast to coast. Her work appeared in the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the most widely read Black newspapers in the country.

Through her cartoons, Ormes offered a bold and fresh voice that centered Black girls and women. Her art gave readers more than laughter—it gave them representation, power, and pride.

Torchy Brown: A Story That Reflected Black Life

Ormes introduced readers to Torchy Brown, a teenager from Mississippi who danced and sang her way to New York City. The character’s journey reflected the Great Migration, when millions of Black families moved from the South seeking better lives.

Torchy’s early story was lighthearted and fun, but her later adventures grew deeper. When Ormes brought Torchy back in the 1950s, she had evolved into a bold, confident woman. She now used her voice to challenge racism, sexism, and environmental issues—topics that were rarely addressed by comic strips at the time.

Patty-Jo and Ginger: Sisters Who Shaped Culture

In 1945, Ormes launched a new cartoon, “Patty-Jo ‘n’ Ginger.” The strip featured two sisters—Ginger, a stylish older sister, and Patty-Jo, a clever and outspoken little girl. Patty-Jo often made sharp, witty remarks about real-world issues.

The cartoon became so popular that Patty-Jo was turned into a doll, sold in major department stores. This was groundbreaking at a time when dolls rarely looked like Black children. The doll gave young girls a rare chance to see themselves reflected in toys—and to know they mattered.

A Lasting Impact on Media, Dolls, and Dialogue

Jackie Ormes didn’t just entertain—she challenged ideas and made people think. Her characters pushed back against stereotypes, showing Black women as smart, strong, and stylish. She did this long before mainstream media was ready to show such images.

Her work opened the door for other Black artists and storytellers. She showed that cartoons could be both fun and meaningful, and that Black voices belonged in every corner of American culture.

Honors and Recognition After Her Passing

Jackie Ormes passed away on December 26, 1985, at the age of 74. But her influence didn’t end there. She was inducted into the Black Journalists Hall of Fame in 2014 and honored again in 2018 by the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards Hall of Fame.

In recent years, her legacy has been celebrated more widely—including a special Google Doodle in her honor. These tributes continue to remind the world of her creative brilliance and her impact as a pioneer.

#OnThisDay in 1937, Jackie Ormes became the first known Black cartoonist whose work was read coast to coast through the major black publication, the Pittsburgh Courier.

Her cartoon told the story of Torchy Brown, a Mississippi teenager who sang and danced her way from… pic.twitter.com/G8O5Rn1x8u

— Jerry Mitchell (@JMitchellNews) May 1, 2025