AJ Lightning was created to inspire confidence in children. My son’s fascination with superheroes sparked the idea. We wanted to create something he could call his own. I noticed a void in representation and wanted this character to reflect what my son sees in the mirror.

When a child relates to a character, it creates a sense of validation—they feel seen. When AJ was three, I remember him being excited because a character in a cartoon was the same color as him. Even at that age, he realized it was rare, but it doesn’t have to be. We have all the tools to create whatever we feel the market lacks.

Creating our own stories and characters is good for the community. Kids learn from what they see. Therefore, positive imagery can help foster a positive self-image.

If you grew up seeing people who looked like you constantly portrayed as doctors or lawyers, the idea of becoming one would be less intimidating. Subconsciously, you’d be conditioned to believe it was the norm. We must raise the collective confidence of our children so they can have the audacity to achieve higher standards.

– Alonso Pizarro, Author