1000 Heroes

13/04/2026

You don't really know what it takes to make a work of art until you talk to the artist. But you do know that it takes some combination of hardship, perseverance, love, patience and old fashion work. It truly becomes more than a story but begins to reveal the blueprint for success. The more you hear, listen and experience the paths to success the more success seems obtainable. Perhaps you have all of those elements swirling around in your life. I know that Joshua Leonard of Leonard Studios' did. Ask Netflix, Disney, Nickelodeon, Hillman Grad Productions, HBOMAX and Illumination. He defied the odds and somehow found away to put all of those elements together to become a leading force in character design and animation bringing his perspective where less than 2% of the industry is reflected. Begin to map your own blueprint for success by building upon his on APRIL 27, 2026 at 12P Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University in the Cotilla gallery. If you can't make it person to meet him, then register online at https://nova.libcal.com/event/16552662 See you there.


Character Design by Joshua Leonard

02/04/2026

His talent is phenomenal. However, it pales in comparison to the to work he puts into every piece and every creation. Joshua Leonard of Leondard Studios constantly shapes and reshapes the world of character design and illustration. His contributions have enhanced brands such as NETFLIX, DISNEY, NICKELODEON and MAX. It's about more than drawings though, but the perspective and confidence that representation brings. If you have ever stared at a blank canvas or have a blank canvas of your own perhaps a creative conversation with a creative person is what you need to create your own masterpiece. Join Joshua Leonard as part of the Hero of a Thousand Faces series, hosted by Alvin Sherman Library at Nova Southeastern University on April 27, 2026 @ 12p, Cotilla Gallery 2nd Floor.

Register https://nova.libcal.com/event/16552662

17/03/2026

HONORING MICHAEL ANDERSON

🎨 Hero of a 1000 Faces: Featuring Joshua Leonard (In-Person)

Join us for an inspiring installment of Hero of a 1000 Faces, a series designed to challenge and expand perceptions of Black men through powerful storytelling and creative voices.

This session features illustrator, concept artist, character designer, and traditional 2D animator Joshua Leonard, whose work spans major studios including Netflix, Nickelodeon, Disney, Illumination, and The Jim Henson Company. Joshua is currently a Character & Prop Designer at Lion Forge Entertainment working on Seasons 1 & 2 of Cartoon Network’s IYANU.

📅 Date: Monday, April 27, 2026
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM (ET)
📍 Location: Alvin Sherman Library – Second Floor, Cotilla Gallery

✨ Hear about Joshua’s creative journey, the animation industry, and the power of representation in storytelling.

🍴 Complimentary light bites will be provided.

🎟 Registration required – Only 95 seats available!
https://nova.libcal.com/event/16552662
Secure your spot and be part of the conversation.

10/01/2026

https://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/article314256161.html

“Michael was love in real time. He loved his family, he loved Miami. He loved community. He absolutely loved his work... And he loved Pam, his wife of 25 years,” said Marilyn Holifield in a tribute to Michael Anderson.

15/12/2025

07/11/2025

Green Screen Days at Accord Productions Studios -
Home of Pass Story of Diaspora Forward Inc. and Hero of One Thousand Faces

Working with a green screen looks simple… until you try it. Getting the lighting, angles, and depth just right takes a little finesse but when you’re in the right space, it all comes together beautifully.

Big shoutout to the team at Accord Productions Studio for always providing a great studio space to make the magic happen. Love seeing these shots come to life!

23/10/2025

At Pass Story of Diaspora Forward Inc., (the overall umbrella company for this project 'Hero of 1000 Faces') storytelling is a multi-layered craft — as there are many art forms within the art of storytelling. 🎥✨

Take our camera, for example: a masterpiece capturing countless tales. Or consider a hero’s journey — a story that unfolds as a work of art itself, framed through the powerful medium of video; a camera, an improv script and the unplanned relationship that can develop between the storyteller and the Hero.

From impactful projects like Liberia, 1000 Heroes, PassitON Films, Never Drop the Ball, and The Grand Lady — some of which are Emmy-Award winning productions— we are continually inspired by the stories within stories.
Each frame, each narrative, reminds us why storytelling is the heart of what we do; and why it is such a powerful medium