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How a Schoolteacher's Letter Led to the Creation of Schulz's 'Franklin' Character

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Franklin from the 'Peanuts' comic strip.  (Courtesy of Charles M. Schulz Museum)

This week, the first black “Peanuts” cartoon character turns 50, marking the first time that Charlie Brown and Franklin met. It all started with a schoolteacher and mother of three who wrote a letter to Charles Schulz. She encouraged him to let black students see themselves in the comic strip. He hesitated at first but then relented.

Guest: Cesar Gallegos, former archivist for the Charles M. Schulz Museum

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