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Authentic representation
Created by Black storytellers — built for every child. Cultural pride without cultural narrowness.
About
Created by Black storytellers. Built for every child.
Animated stories where curiosity is the most powerful tool. For kids ages 2–6.
Our Story
A 13-year journey from Kent State to Canopy.
Afro Panda was born in 2013 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio — a character sketch by Christopher "Pro Young" Hicks that grew into a world. What started as a drawing became a 13-year journey: a registered trademark, a family of characters, a city called Canopy, and a growing library of animated shorts reaching families everywhere.
Brothers Christopher and Steven Hicks built Afro Panda at Kent State University's LaunchNET program — a project to challenge stereotypes through joyful, inclusive animation. Today, Afro Panda lives on YouTube, in stories, and in the hands of kids who deserve to see themselves as the heroes of their own learning.
Our Mission
Curiosity is the most powerful tool.
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Social-emotional learning
Friendship, empathy, and confidence — woven into every story. Big feelings, gently held.
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Joyful curiosity
Math becomes treasure hunts. Science feels like magic. Storytime is friendship and wonder.
The Team
Brothers, mom, and a few friends.
Christopher Hicks
Co-founder · Visual Design · World-buildingThe brother who drew Afro Panda first. Lead animator and visual lead — the one shaping every character and every corner of Canopy.
Steven Hicks
Co-founder · Creative Direction · ProductionBrand strategy, story architecture, and the production system that turns ideas into shipped episodes.
Lynda Hicks
Voice of Grandma · Storytime NarratorThe grandmother's voice on Storytime. Original stories, warmly read.
Aureus
AI Production PartnerThe AI working alongside the team — pipeline, prompts, and production assistance.
Brand entity: Young Troubled Minds LLC. Trademark registered USPTO 7934109 (2025).
Get in touch
Say hello.
For partnerships, press, or questions — reach out anytime.