BARBARA BRANDON-CROFT ON HER PİONEERİNG LEGACY İN COMİCS

First Black Woman Cartoonist in Mainstream Newspapers Shares Her Story

Barbara Brandon-Croft, the trailblazing American cartoonist, made history as the first Black woman to break into mainstream syndicated comics with her bold and relatable strip, Where I’m Coming From. Debuting in the Detroit Free Press in 1989 and later syndicated internationally through Universal Press Syndicate, her comic became a vital cultural voice from 1991 until 2005.

Through Where I’m Coming From, Brandon-Croft gave voice to the experiences, thoughts, and frustrations of Black women—a perspective often ignored in a field long dominated by white men. Her distinct, dialogue-driven format and character diversity allowed her to capture a wide range of emotions and social commentary.

A Legacy Rooted in Family and Representation

Barbara’s journey into comics was shaped by her father, Brumsic Brandon Jr., creator of the socially conscious strip Luther—one of the first nationally syndicated comics by a Black cartoonist. Growing up watching her father work from their dining room table, Brandon-Croft absorbed the discipline and purpose of cartooning early on. “I saw it being done,” she recalls. “That’s what’s called representation. It was living in my home.”

Her father taught her that a cartoonist’s job is to “observe, interpret, and record.” Barbara embraced this mission, using comics to reflect the Black experience, making her work not only creative, but historic.

From Elan Magazine to Syndicated Success

Barbara’s professional cartooning journey began with a chance opportunity at Elan, a Black women’s magazine. Asked to create a humorous comic, she realized she could draw from real conversations and experiences to create relatable content. The result: Where I’m Coming From.

After her work caught the attention of the Detroit Free Press, Brandon-Croft submitted her portfolio to various syndicates. Only one—Universal Press Syndicate—said yes, but one was all it took. Her strip began national syndication in 1991 and appeared in over 60 newspapers.

 Why Her Comic Strip Mattered

Each of her nine characters—ranging from the politically sharp Lekesia to the fashion-focused Nicole—represented authentic Black women’s voices. “I like to think that my characters are why we feel a certain way,” Barbara says. “It’s helpful to feel like you’re heard, seen, and maybe even understood.”

At a time when mainstream media questioned if the perspectives of Black women would resonate, Brandon-Croft proved otherwise. Her characters were real, funny, anxious, political, and unapologetically honest.

Black Women’s Voices in Art: Then and Now

Barbara views her art as a way to document history and address societal issues. “This is precisely the time to create,” she says of today’s political climate. “Years down, we can look back at different things created during this time and try to understand how they fit into history.”

She also acknowledges her unique position as a “first” in her field. “Being the only one in the room is complicated,” she explains. “Sometimes they think they don’t need anyone else after you.” Her message to young artists is clear: keep going, be yourself, and trust your voice.

Discover 

Where I’m Coming From

In 2023, Drawn & Quarterly published a hardcover edition of Where I’m Coming From, featuring selected strips and Brandon-Croft’s personal stories. The book won a National Association of Black Journalists Award and is praised for blending humor with cultural insight—making it both a cartoon collection and a historical document.

You can buy the book wherever books are sold.

🔗 Follow Barbara Brandon-Croft

To see more of Barbara’s work or follow her latest projects:

• Website: www.barbarabrandoncroft.com
• Instagram: @BarbaraBrandonCroft (look for the blue checkmark ✅)