Ludacris’s latest project celebrates the joy and complexities of Black girlhood

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March 11, 2022

By Claretta Bellamy, NBC News

Ludacris performs last November. (Alberto E. Rodriguez vie Getty Images)

When the actor and rapper Chris “Ludacris” Bridges came up with the idea for a children’s show, he wanted to make sure that his daughters were represented. Fourteen years into the making, he created “Karma’s World” — an animated children’s series depicting the life of Karma, a 10-year-old Black girl and aspiring musical artist.

Season two of the series, which premiered Thursday on Netflix, tackles real-life challenges related to body shaming, setting boundaries and other important topics in a way that both entertains and allows for kids to comprehend.

“I feel like we need shows like this now more than ever,” Bridges, the show’s executive producer, said, “and the reinforcement is in the music as well.”

Since the first season debuted in October, “Karma’s World” was in the Top 10 on Netflix Kids for a month, and then became available in 190 countries and in 22 languages. Expanding Black representation beyond the screen, the show has a line of dolls with Mattel and an official album out with songs including, “Proud of My Hair,” “Open Your Heart” and “Reach the Top” that promote self-confidence.

Head over to NBC News to learn more about Karma‘s World and the show’s positive impact on Black youth.

Representation has become increasingly important in children’s media. Find out what Black children lose in a white world and how Andrea Stephenson and her son Corbin hope to change with their books.

More breaking news here.

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