She decided that she would create such a doll, one that “would represent the beauty and diversity of black children.”
Creech was already involved in social justice-she had been active in women’s movements since the mid 1930s and in the spring of 1948 had helped form an Interracial Council in Belle Glade-and she realized that it was wrong that these black children did not have access to dolls that looked like them.
But you know all that-so today, on Hurston’s birthday, here’s something you might not have known about her: that she had a hand in the creation of the Sara Lee doll, one of the first “quality” or “realistic”-that is, well-made, non-racist and non-stereotyped-African American baby dolls produced in the United States.Īccording to Gordon Patterson’s 1994 article “ Color Matters: the Creation of the Sara Lee Doll” (originally published in The Florida Historical Quarterly) it all began in December 1948, when a white woman named Sara Lee Creech noticed two black children playing with white dolls in a car outside of a post office in Belle Glade, Florida, where she lived. For more information, visit Neale Hurston is one of America’s most beloved literary figures, an influential writer, anthropologist, and giant of the Harlem Renaissance her 1937 novel Their Eyes Were Watching God is still ubiquitous more than 80 years later. The museum was founded in 2012 and is the first museum in New England and the second museum in the nation dedicated to preserving the history of black dolls. Their goal was to develop a line of culturally authentic and unique Signature Dolls and Accessories that teach history and celebrate cultural diversity.īlack doll enthusiasts are also encouraged to visit The National Black Doll Museum in Mansfield, Massachusetts. The company was founded in 2003 by two women Ethiopian entrepreneurs from the New York City area. #7 - EthiDolls: This company makes authentic, collectible African American signature dolls and accessories that embrace African heritage, culture, and history. The dolls, which are available in local Target and Walmart stores, are designed to "encourage dreams, promote intelligence, challenge perceptions, and open hearts to all types of beauty." #6 - Positively Perfect Dolls: The company was founded in 2010 by a mom and former professor as a way to encourage young girls. The company was founded in 2013 and is based in Marietta, Georgia. The dolls are African-American, Hispanic, Biracial and Multiracial. #5 - Double Dutch Dolls: Double Dutch Dolls designs and produces a line of multi-cultural dolls, books, and accessories for girls ages 8 and up. Daniel and Stacey McBride-Irby (who formerly designed Barbie® dolls for Mattel) created a multi-cultural line of girl dolls in 2010 to fill a gap in diverse representation in the doll industry. #4 - Tonner-One World Dolls: This company's slogan is "We are pretty girls, and we rule the world." Founders Trent T.
The dolls are available worldwide, but are especially popular in Nigeria, where they are said to be easily outselling Barbie® dolls. Their dolls have both natural and braided hair, and are dressed in clothing made from African colors and prints. #3 - Queens of Africa Dolls: This Nigerian-based company makes dolls (pictured above) and doll accessories that promote the African heritage. The word "uzuri" means beauty, and expresses the company's belief that all kids are beautiful, no matter what color or race they are. #2 - Uzuri Kid Kiz: This doll maker is based in Columbus, Ohio, and has been making dolls that reflect the African American culture since 1997. Their product line includes dolls that capture the image and character of the African American sorority sister, as well as adult, collectible dolls, which can be purchased online. #1 - Trinity Designs: This Texas-based doll maker began making African American dolls in 2001. Here are 7 of the top Black-owned doll makers and designers: But there also many African and African American entrepreneurs that are in the business! The most well-known doll makers and designers in the U.S. The first usage of dolls as toys has been documented in Greece around 100 AD. Doll making has been around since the ancient civilizations of Egypt, Greece and Rome.
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