#blackhistorymonth #informational
Hey fam—I’m Terry Jenkins, a graphic designer who loves helping Black nerds (blerds!) discover bold fantasy stories and the creators who paved the way. I’ve written several comics, overseen the production of comics and light novels, and even interned at Marvel Comics.
Whether you’re a Black creator, a lifelong blerd, or just someone who loves comics, it’s important to know the name Jackie Ormes—because a lot of what we enjoy today exists because she broke through walls first. And yes, this is a joyful celebration. ✨
Torchy was born in 1937
In 1937, Jackie Ormes began creating the comic strip Torchy in Heartbeats for the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the most influential Black newspapers in the United States.
At a time when comics were overwhelmingly white and male, Ormes stepped into national syndication and claimed space—with style, confidence, and purpose.
Meet Torchy Brown
The star of the strip, Torchy Brown, was a sassy, sharp-witted African-American woman living in Chicago during the 1930s.
Torchy wasn’t a sidekick or a stereotype—she was fashionable, outspoken, ambitious, and very much in control of her own story. Honestly? She’d still be iconic today.
Comics with something to say
Torchy in Heartbeats did more than entertain. The strip explored themes of race, class, gender equality, and social justice, weaving real-world issues into everyday humor and drama.
Jackie Ormes utilized comics in a way that we now love to see them used: as tools for commentary, resistance, and imagination. She was doing “socially conscious nerd content” decades before it had a name.
A trailblazer worth celebrating
The strip was hugely popular among African-American readers and also reached a wider audience who appreciated its progressive themes and fearless voice.
This February, Bee Terrific Media is proud to honor Jackie Ormes as a trailblazer—a creator who helped break barriers so Black creators, Black characters, and Black audiences could fully enjoy comics, fantasy, and storytelling.
If you love imaginative worlds, powerful characters, and stories made with us in mind, check out our fantasy comics and novels at
👉 beeterrificmedia.com
Because knowing where we come from makes building what’s next even sweeter. 💛