AfroAnimation

Exciting Animation Job Opportunity 2025!

Presented by AfroAnimation and GigFlick!

Are you passionate about shaping the next generation of animators? Join the vibrant Art and Design Department at California State University, Northridge (CSUN) as an Assistant Professor of Animation!

Institution: California State University, Northridge

Position: Assistant Professor of Animation

Department: Art and Design

Start Date: August 20, 2025

Salary Range: $88,000–$93,000

Submit Resume at [email protected]

GigFlick is a new jobs chatbot platform enabling employers and recruiters to find relevant candidates 70% faster.

Happy New Year from AfroAnimation! 🎉✨

Wishing you a joyful and creative 2025! We’re so excited to connect, celebrate, and innovate with you for our 5th year anniversary at AfroAnimation Summit 2025 this April. Let’s make this year unforgettable together.

Grab your pass today at www.afroanimation.com at a 20% discount and celebrate 5-years of pushing diversity forward in animation!

Use Discount Code: AA_NY_2025

Expires 11:59 PM PT, January 1st, 2025

A Holiday Toast to Creators Everywhere
Be of good cheer, it’s that magical time of year!
Merry Christmas from Our Creative Family to Yours.
Take 20% Off All Pass Prices for the next-48 Hours AA_Xmas_20 @ AfroAnimation.com

In honour of my birthday, AfroAnimation is offering 15% on all passes! For the next 48-hours. Whether you’re an artist, animator, producer, gamer, student or storyteller, this is your chance to unlock opportunities; meet fellow creators, learn how to make money as a content creator, meet studio executives, recruiters, film distributors, agents and more.

Use code “KWhiteBDay15Off” at checkout on www.afroanimation.com

Level Up Your Creativity and Innovation at The AfroAnimation Summit 5.0!

Join a vibrant community of Creators, Animators, Gamers, and Designers.

Come to learn, connect, and network with your tribe, while engaging with leading companies driving the future of animation, gaming, and immersive tech.

Get your early bird passes now at www.afroanimation.com

A Legend in Voice Acting Storytelling.

Today on AfroAnimation, we honor the legendary Scatman Crothers (1910–1986), a trailblazer who broke barriers in voice acting and left an indelible mark on the animation history.

Born Benjamin Sherman Crothers in Terre Haute, Indiana, Scatman began his career as a jazz musician, earning his nickname for his masterful s**t singing. But his talent wasn’t confined to music-he became a beloved actor and voice actor, showcasing his versatility across television, film, and animation.

Crothers’ most iconic voice acting role was Hong Kong Phooey, the crime-fighting janitor in Hanna-Barbera’s 1974 classic. His charismatic voice brought the quirky character to life, making him a fan favorite and cementing Scatman as a pioneer for Black representation in animation.

He also voiced Jazz in The Transformers (1984–1986), where he infused the character with a cool, laid-back personality that resonated with audiences. This role highlighted his ability to blend his musical roots with voice acting, creating a character that felt alive and relatable.

**tmancrothers

Let me start by saying what an incredible week I had visiting both Otis College of Art and Design and CalArts.

On Wednesday, I visited Otis College near LAX to share our big plans for the AfroAnimation Summit 2025, and to my surprise, I was given an immersive tour of Otis’s animation program, graphic design, sculpture, bookbinding, and much more. I was thoroughly impressed. While I’m not an animator myself, the tour provided me with a much deeper understanding of the animation production pipeline for films and series. The campus itself was modern and thoughtfully designed, and I was delighted to discover the Jones Hotel rooftop restaurant just a short walk away.

The very next day, I made my way to CalArts in Santa Clarita to continue sharing about AfroAnimation’s 5th Anniversary and our inaugural creative job fair activation in Burbank. During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting three of CalArts’ top students, who interviewed me about AfroAnimation’s value and mission. Their thoughtful questions were followed by a barrage of amazing suggestions for additional activations—every idea they pitched was fantastic, including an artist’s alley. After the interview, they gave me a tour of the campus, sharing the rich history of Walt Disney’s vision for the school. I then dashed down to the student cafeteria for a Zoom scheduled meeting with a professional show writer to discuss a mock writing room workshop for AfroAnimation 2025.

What a fun two days, I left both visits feeling inspired and full of exciting ideas to enhance the AfroAnimation Summit 2025. A special thanks to Ron Benard, Academic Chair of Animation & Motion Design at Otis College, and Brent Kuszky, Bridge to Industry Fellows Coordinator at CalArts, for being such gracious hosts. I’m excited to collaborate with both institutions to make AfroAnimation Summit 2025 even more impactful.

Join us at the AfroAnimation Summit on April 3-5, 2025 at the AMC Burbank 16 & Cambria Hotel in Burbank, CA!

This is the ultimate global gathering for creatives, gamers, techheads, professionals, filmmakers and job seekers looking to for hands-on learning experiences and make industry connections. AfroAnimation is a hub for connecting, insights, upskilling, recruiting, networking and creating! Whether you’re an animator, filmmaker, gamer or aspiring creative, this is where talent meets opportunities.

Get the lowest pass prices Now! Super early bird pass at www.afroanimation.com

Honoring Morrie Turner: A Trailblazer in Cartooning and Representation

Morrie Turner, the creator of the groundbreaking comic strip Wee Pals, was more than just a cartoonist; he was a pioneer who used his art to advocate for inclusion and understanding. Born on December 11, 1923, in Oakland, California, Turner became the first nationally syndicated African American cartoonist, breaking barriers in a field that, at the time, lacked diversity.

Launched in 1965, Wee Pals was revolutionary. At a time when few comics featured diverse characters, Turner’s strip introduced a multicultural group of children who tackled real-world issues like racism, inequality, and social justice—all through humor and compassion. Turner’s work was a reflection of his belief in “Rainbow Power,” a philosophy emphasizing unity and harmony among all races and backgrounds.

The strip’s popularity soared following Martin Luther King Jr.‘s assassination in 1968, as readers sought works that celebrated inclusion. Turner’s art wasn’t just entertainment; it was a gentle, yet powerful tool for education and dialogue during a tumultuous period in American history.

Beyond his cartooning, Morrie Turner inspired countless artists and activists with his commitment to fostering understanding. His achievements earned him numerous awards, including the National Cartoonists Society’s Milton Caniff Lifetime Achievement Award. He also spent much of his time visiting schools and libraries, encouraging young people to use creativity as a force for good.

As we celebrate Turner’s legacy, we honor not only his artistic contributions but also his unyielding dedication to social change. He paved the way for countless creators and remains a shining example of how art can inspire a better world.

The AfroAnimation Summit invites you to the 4th Annual Indie Short Animation Film Awards, happening April 3–5, 2025, at the AMC Burbank 16 Theater in Burbank, CA. Celebrate the vibrant world of animation with industry leaders and creators from around the globe in a three-day event filled with screenings, panels, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Awards & Prizes:
• Best Children’s Content Short: $500 cash prize + custom trophy
• Best Adult Short: $500 cash prize + custom trophy
Finalists will have up to 10 minutes of their films screened at the Summit and online. Winners will be chosen by a combination of jury (60%) and audience (40%) votes.
Submission Deadline: March 12, 2025, 11:59 PM PST
Submit your short films now using
https://filmfreeway.com/AfroAnimationShortFilmAward2025

I’ve been developing a new tech jobs platform called GigFlick (currently in stealth mode) since July 2024. This idea was inspired by my experience over the past four years at AfroAnimation Summits, where I’ve had a front-row seat to our white-glove services we provided between diverse creatives and major animation studios like Sony, Disney, Netflix, LAIKA and others. These studios conducted virtual and in-person 1:1 interviews during the summits over the last 3-years, bridging talent with opportunity. GigFlick moves how this done from the physical to the digital world, leveraging MLL.

I’m excited to announce that GigFlick’s first official client partner is the University of South Carolina’s School of Visual Art and Design. They are currently seeking an Assistant Professor of Media Arts in 2D Animation.

Position Details:

Location: University of South Carolina, Columbia campus

Position: 9-month, full-time, tenure-track faculty role at the rank of Assistant Professor

Start Date: August 16, 2025

Requirements: MFA or PhD in film, media, or a closely related field by the start date, along with research expertise in 2D animation. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of excellence in teaching or the potential to excel in academia. We welcome applicants transitioning from industry to academia.

If this opportunity resonates with you, feel free to reach send your CV or resume. We’re thrilled to continue building connections that bridge diverse creative talent with industry job opportunities.

Submit your CV to [email protected] by Monday, November 18, 2024.

Be sure to checkout AAS2025 first every Creative Jobs Fair, Sat. April 2025 in Burbank, CA. Learn more at afroanimation dot com.