Kings Island has made history by being the first amusement park to honor the iconic Peanuts character Franklin, renaming the Woodstock Gliders to Franklin’s Flyers in the newly expanded Camp Snoopy area, which opens in the spring. 

On this attraction, guests take control of their flight 28 feet above, weaving through clouds and enjoying a unique route tailored by each rider. It’s an exhilarating experience suitable for all ages and a delightful family adventure.

Over 55 years ago, Franklin Armstrong, the trailblazing black character introduced by Charles M. Schulz in “Peanuts,” made history as the first African American in an American comic strip. His story comes to life in “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin,” available for streaming on Apple TV+. The heartwarming tale revolves around Franklin’s move to a new town, showcasing the challenges of friendship and the determination to build connections through a neighborhood soapbox derby. (Kings Island will be debuting Snoopy’s Soap Box Racers as part of its Camp Snoopy expansion.) 

Franklin’s 1968 debut was a significant milestone amid a polarizing period in U.S. history, echoing present-day concerns about race, equality, and civil rights. Against the backdrop of the Brown v. Board of Education’s desegregation decision and protests for equal rights, Schulz responded to the call for diversity in comics from Harriet Glickman, a retired teacher advocating against racial injustice.

Despite facing opposition, Schulz remained resolute, depicting Franklin in desegregated scenes that sparked both criticism and praise. Franklin Armstrong became a symbol of equality during the civil rights era, breaking down racial barriers in the Peanuts strip and fostering a narrative of inclusiveness. Schulz and Glickman’s unwavering commitment to righteousness demonstrates the profound impact small acts can have on society, leaving a lasting legacy that transcends amusement park rides and comic strips.

Required reading: Construction on Kings Island’s Camp Snoopy Takes Shape