Ep. 132: Hotep

On this episode, host, Aaron Nabus talks to the creator of the 80’s anime inspired, Black Lion and Cubs, Hotep!

Born in New York City in the 1970s, Hotep is the personification of the progress made during the civil rights movements, the birth of Hip-Hop music, and the emergence of Black culture in American society. After graduating from Morehouse College, he became one of the only Black, male kindergarten teachers in his district. There, he learned first-hand how powerful and influential media is on the human mind and psyche.

Today, Hotep is a consultant to schools across the United States, a father of 2 and producer of several different types of media including: books, cartoons, films, music and video games. His most recent creation, a family-friendly anime series called Black Lion and Cubs is a perfect example of why his work has earned him nominations for the Presidential Citizen’s Award and as a CNN Hero. 

The Black Lion and Cubs universe incorporates, for now, a cartoon series, videogame, album, graphic novels, and motion manga series.

I had the pleasure of meeting him at Black Comix Day 2024 in San Diego, CA where he was part of the panel that I moderated that touched on Black Culture in Anime and Manga.

He currently has an active Kickstarter campaign going on until March 3, 2025 for his newest project – an anime short film about one of the characters from the Black Lion and Cubs universe, the Amazing Ariyah.

Welcome to the show, Hotep!