'' The Boondocks '' has been a frequent subject of controversy since its comic-strip debut in 1999 , with ABC News noting , " Fans and critics of '' The Boondocks '' loved and hated the strip for the same reasons : its cutting-edge humor and unapologetic , sometimes unpopular , views on various issues , including race , politics , the war on terrorism and the September 11 attacks . " Numerous outlets predicted the show would encounter controversy prior to its November 2005 debut , due to its casual use of the word " nigger " . According to an article in '' The Washington Post '' , references to Rosa Parks were removed from one of the series ' first completed episodes within a week of her death . In 2006 , the Reverend Al Sharpton protested the first-season episode " Return of the King , " for Martin Luther King , Jr. 's character 's use of the word " nigga , " saying " Cartoon Network must apologize and also commit to pulling episodes that desecrate black historic figures . " Cartoon Network released a statement in response defending McGruder : " We think Aaron McGruder came up with a thought-provoking way of not only showing Dr. King 's bravery but also of reminding us of what he stood and fought for , and why even today , it is important for all of us to remember that and to continue to take action , " the statement said . The episode was later awarded a Peabody Award for being " an especially daring episode "
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
The Boondocks (TV series)