In January 1934, Esquire magazine introduced a mascot cartoon named Esky. Esky was a bug-eyed white man, with an up-turned mustache and slicked back hair, designed by a black man named Elmer Simms Cam.
E. Simms Campbell was one of the first Black illustrators for the Post, and he went on to enjoy a wildly successful illustration career. It all started with a knock on his door.