ABC'S Abbott Elementary = Prime Toonkster TV
As lovers of the arts, business partners, and aspiring animated series producers, my mother and I enjoy analyzing the media we consume. Living across the country from one another, we get excited when there's a new television series for us to swap stories about. We swoon even more when we discover one with screenwriting so perfect that it strikes a harmonious balance between humor, truth, and inspiration.
Our latest obsession is Abbott Elementary created by Quinta Brunson. Mom and I read her book She Memes Well: Essays, so we anticipated the show’s debut. We didn't realize, however, just how much it would affirm the entire reason our startup exists! Sometimes coincidences are just that. And other times? The universe sends unbelievable signals that the specific platform you’re creating is sorely needed. I could talk at length about how Quinta and the entire cast feel like the funniest, most authentic, and ironic parts of my past teachers (and a few former colleagues), but instead, I have outlined 4 observations from Abbott Elementary which prove that the work we’re doing at Levi&Toonk is critically important.
1) Poor behavior can be a prime indicator of giftedness.
In its first season, Abbott Elementary has highlighted very real concerns and offers up critiques of the public-school system along with suggestions for thought. New teacher Janine Teagues (played by Quinta Brunson) is always interested in what is best for her students, even if her efforts are initially and hilariously misguided. The epitome of this stood out to me during last week's episode, “Student Transfer”. As soon as a student from Melissa Schemmenti’s (Lisa Ann Walter) class was transferred to Janine's class, I IMMEDIATELY knew why. I continued watching the episode and observing the student’s behavior. As a response to boredom, their brilliance manifested as a sign of disruption. But to my trained eye, the student’s actions were completely obvious, and they screamed out at me as characteristics of a gifted child from the very start.
My brother was that child! Although we were both smart in our unique capacities, his antics were not deemed as appropriate forms of expression. He desperately desired a challenge, but because we attended public school in the 90s and I played by the rules, my traditional learning type was valued while his was unacceptable.
2) Black children often lack the resources and opportunity to engage in advanced curriculum.
This idea was further illustrated by the “New Tech” episode when the school attempted to implement a new software program to help students learn to read (I remember administering and monitoring those!). One of the students struggled with reading but eventually ended up improving thanks to the teachers who found creative ways to help. Many educators serving this demographic can agree that equipping students with their basic academic skills is the main priority, so often times, advanced lessons are neither appropriate nor feasible.
3) There are many unsung heroes who do it for the love of the cause.
Janine reminds me of myself! Like I was, she is fresh out of college and determined to leave a positive impact on her students through innovative strategies and a positive attitude. Although I didn't cause mishaps to ensue like Janine frequently does, her passion is a real one shared by me and so many others who work tirelessly, overtime, and even without pay, to impart their wisdom and love for education onto the next generation. This also feels so authentically portrayed by legendary actress (and my Soror) Sheryl Lee Ralph's character, Barbara Howard. She reminds me of several veteran teachers in my hometown who taught me AND my mom! Even characters like Mr. Johnson are reminiscent of auxiliary staff who are often loyal to a school for decades despite high turnover. It feels so refreshing to see these archetypes in their full humanity on screen.
4) We must be intentional about celebrating and investing in the academic AND social wellness of our children.
I'm excited to see what the next episode of Abbot Elementary addresses as it will aptly be titled “Gifted Program” and premiere February 1, 2022. I’m also awaiting the Young, Gifted, and Black virtual session taking place Feb 27, 2022 during Black Children’s Book Week. Let’s continue uplifting our children through the media, products, and events we create!
Overall, thumbs all the way up to the production team, cast & crew, and ABC network for comically spotlighting a little piece of our world. It is because of stories like this and initiatives put on by Black Baby Books that we are inspired as creators and business owners to design spaces for unknown voices to shine.
