Did you know that Princess And The Frog is not the only classic Disney cartoon about African-Americans?

John Henry was a former slave who’s mighty strength made him one of the earliest African-American role models.

Wielding a sledge hammer forged from the chains that bound him in servitude, he was a one-man railroad crew who ‘could move mountains’.

He is put to the ultimate test when he faces a mechanical power hammer that threatens to take away his land.

The story of John Henry was released in 2002 as direct-to-video animated anthology film hosted by James Earl Jones, yeah, that awesome voice!, on the Disney’s American Legends DVD (Amazon link here).

The film’s new short is based on John Henry and stars Alfre Woodard and Tim Hodge.

John Henry was later released on Blu-ray in Walt Disney Animation Studios Short Films Collection on August 18, 2015 and is the perfect story to explain hard work and pride in one’s work to children.

Here is the summary:

“John Henry, a freed slave, happens across a railroad building project. An entire crew of freed slaves has been promised land if they can finish by deadline…

Continued on next page (with full cartoon video)
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