Gracie’s Corner has taken the world by storm, redefining children’s entertainment with a powerful mission: Great Music, Empowering Kids & Education!
The brainchild of co-founders Javoris “Jay” Hollingsworth and Arlene Gordon-Hollingsworth, the animated series features their talented 12-year-old daughter, Graceyn Gordon-Hollingsworth, as the main character, Gracie. Since its creation, Gracie’s Corner has gained over 4 million YouTube subscribers, won the 2024 NAACP Image Award for Most Outstanding Children’s Program, and was named to The Hollywood Reporter’s Kids Entertainment Power List—cementing its place as a cultural phenomenon.
A Vision Born from the Pandemic
Like many families, the Hollingsworths found themselves adapting to a new normal during the pandemic. With online school and remote work becoming the standard, they relied on educational videos to keep their younger children engaged. However, Javoris noticed a glaring issue—the lack of diverse representation in children’s media.
Determined to fill this void, the family launched Gracie’s Corner, ensuring that Black children and children of all backgrounds could see themselves in the content they consumed. “We wanted to create a show where all children could feel seen and celebrated,” says Arlene.
The Power of Representation
At the heart of Gracie’s Corner is a commitment to inclusivity. By featuring a diverse cast and uplifting a young Black girl as the main character, the series fosters confidence, pride, and a sense of belonging among its audience.
“Seeing yourself in content is super important,” says Graceyn, who brings Gracie to life with her infectious energy and musical talent. “It helps build a sense of pride, confidence, and belonging.”
From Viral Success to Award-Winning Excellence
What started as a family passion project has transformed into a global movement. With millions of subscribers and a dedicated fanbase, Gracie’s Corner has become a staple in households worldwide.
“It’s been unreal,” the creators share. “It feels amazing that so many people enjoy watching our content and that it is helping children learn and have fun.”
This impact was recognized in 2023 when the show earned a NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Animated Series. In 2024, it went a step further—winning the NAACP Image Award for Most Outstanding Children’s Program.
“It is truly our biggest accomplishment to date,” says the team. “This award shows that what we are doing is touching lives, and it inspires us to continue our journey.”
Building on Momentum
As Gracie’s Corner continues to soar, the team is focused on expanding its reach. Future plans include:
• More music and educational content
• Merchandise for young fans
• A potential movie or larger media projects
“We want to keep making content that is educational, meaningful, and fun,” they say. “That’s what people love about Gracie’s Corner, and we don’t want to change that.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Creators
For parents and aspiring creators looking to make an impact in children’s media, the Gracie’s Corner team offers simple yet powerful advice:
• Find something that needs to be better.
• Discover your ‘why’ and go for it.
• Great ideas come from filling voids and meeting needs.
The Legacy of Gracie’s Corner
With its authentic storytelling, vibrant music, and heartfelt mission, Gracie’s Corner is more than just a YouTube series—it’s a movement that is shaping the future of children’s entertainment.
From a pandemic-born idea to an NAACP Image Award-winning powerhouse, Gracie’s Corner proves that representation matters—and when done right, it can change lives.
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Photography Credit: Cécile BOKO
