Born in New York City in the 1970s, Hotep represents a powerful blend of cultural evolution—shaped by the civil rights movement, the rise of Hip-Hop, and the growth of Black culture in America. After graduating from Morehouse College, he went on to become one of the few Black male kindergarten teachers in his district, where he discovered firsthand just how impactful media can be on young minds.

Today, Hotep is a creative force and educator—consulting with schools across the country while producing a wide range of media including books, cartoons, films, music, and video games. His work has earned national recognition, including nominations for the Presidential Citizen’s Award and as a CNN Hero.

His latest project, Black Lion & Cubs, is a family-friendly, retro-inspired anime brand that blends the spirit of Dragon Ball Z and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Spanning cartoons, comics, and games, the story follows a retired Nubian general and his two sons as they navigate a future where AI is outlawed—learning life lessons, facing powerful enemies, and working to resolve conflict between rival Egyptian rulers.