October 30, 2016 Panel Discussion on Black Creators and Characters in Comic Books, Nov. 7

A panel discussion at the Library of Congress on Nov. 7 will explore the history of black characters, images and creators in comic books. African-American-related comics and cartoons from the Library of Congress collections will be on view for the event.

“The Unacknowledged History of Black Creators and Black Characters in Comic Books” will take place at noon on Monday, Nov. 7 in the Mumford Room on the sixth floor of the James Madison Memorial Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E., Washington, D.C. Tickets are not required for this event, which is free and open to the public.

The panel discussion is hosted by the Library of Congress’ Serials and Government Publications Division, Prints and Photographs Division and Office of EEO and Diversity Programs; The Daniel A. P. Murray African American Cultural Association; the Library of Congress Chapter of Blacks in Government; and the Library of Congress Professional Association’s What If. . . Science Fiction and Fantasy Forum.

In addition to the history of black creators and characters of comic books, the panel will examine the degree to which early African-American superheroes generally adhered to common stereotypes of black men. The comics and cartoons on display will be drawn from the collections of the Library’s Prints and Photographs Division and Serials and Government Publications Division.

Darrel Goza will lead the discussion. Goza is the head of Goza Creative/ScriptGraphics Comic Books, a firm that specializes in commercial art and design. He is a well-known author of African-American comics, who has explored the history that has shaped the comic-book industry.

Also on the panel are David McClain and Katrina Oxner. McClain, co-owner of Graphyc Rythmic Productions, is a cartoonist and illustrator. He does creative work in the New York City area and has been in the graphic-arts business since 1987. Oxner handles automated digital systems and social media integration for Goza Creative/ScriptGraphics Comic Books. She also works on creative resources and marketing for the firm.

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States—and extensive materials from around the world—both on site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.