Little Known Gem
Born in 1911 there wasn’t many good job opportunities for women, let alone black women but that didn’t stop Jackie Ormes. From 1937 to 1956 Ormes created four cartoon and comic series for African American newspapers. Then from 1945 to 1956 she created the Patty-Jo ‘n’ Ginger cartoon which appeared in the Pittsburgh Courier. This lead to the creation of the Patty-Jo doll which, were very popular back in those days.
Nancy Goldstein became interested in Jackie Ormes while she was researching the Patty-Jo doll. Almost forgotten, especially by non-African American’s Goldstein came across old cartoons in her research and became fascinated with Jackie Ormes.
Goldstein covers Jackie’s life from childhood in a easy to read format. There are photographs and Jackie’s cartoons for the reader to enjoy and cherish. There is an entire chapter covering the famous Patty-Jo doll. This book is sumptuous! It is an excellent coffee table book and to read and enjoy.
Today, as we celebrate our first American African American President, let’s remember all the others that helped paved the way. Get to know Jackie Ormes and you will like what you see and learn.
5/5
A big thanks to Mary Bisbee-Beek and The University of Michigan Press for this wonderful book. I will treasure it for many years to come.
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