Wednesday, April 13, 2011

African-American American Girl, Girl of the Year

American Girl-type doll made from doll kit by Fibre Craft/Springfield

The American Girl (AG) doll line has included a Girl of the Year doll since 2001.  These dolls are released annually in limited editions, are available for one year only, and are modern "today" dolls with a central theme, hobby, and/or community focus.  The past and current AG Girl of the Year (GOTY) dolls are listed below:

Lindsey Bergman was released in 2001.
Kailey Hopkins was released in 2003.
Marisol Luna was released in 2005.
Jess McConnell was released in 2006.
Nicki Fleming was released in 2007.
Mia St. Clair was released in 2008.
Chrissa Maxwell was released in 2009.
Lanie Holland was released in 2010.
Kanani Akina was released in 2011.

One of the GOTY dolls has even had a companion doll.  Sonali Matthews (a medium-complexioned doll) was the companion/friend of Chrissa Maxwell.  However, to date, none of the AG GOTY dolls have been African American. African American girls who collect American Girl dolls or even desire to own them may feel left out because a GOTY doll that looks like them is nonexistent. 
 
Collectors would like to know when an African American AG GOTY doll will be produced, too.  Certainly one is planned (you think?).   Addy and her escape from enslavement theme are just not sufficient.   We are more than runaway enslaved humans.

Using the contact page of their website, I wrote the company to inquire about the absence of an AA AG GOTY doll.  If you'd like to voice your concern, contact them at the contact link I used.  If you are a US resident and prefer to call, their number is:  800-360-1861.  If you live outside the US or Canada, their number is:  608-831-5210.  Both numbers may be called seven days a week, 6 a.m. to midnight, Central Time.

For more information on American Girl GOTY dolls visit:
http://americangirl.wikia.com/wiki/Girls_of_the_Year


In the meantime, more moderately priced 18-inch dolls to consider include:
dbg

6 comments:

  1. This is American Girl's reply to my query regarding the absence/possibility of an African American, American Girl of the Year doll (see my original note to them below their reply.) Read my next comment, too.

    Dear Debbie,

    Thank you for requesting an African American Girl of the Year character.
    We appreciate your suggestion to create a doll that celebrates this
    heritage and we are happy to note your interest.

    We are very proud of the amount of diversity represented in all of our
    doll lines and we are committed to creating dolls that represent a wide
    range of races, cultures, and ethnicities. Our mission is to 'Celebrate
    Girls', all girls. Thank you again for taking the time to share your
    request. Your comments will help us serve you (and all American girls)
    better.

    Sincerely,

    American Girl Customer Service
    Phone: 1-800-845-0005 or 608-831-5210
    Fax: 608-828-4790
    Available Monday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Central Time


    Original Message Follows:
    ------------------------
    To date, your company has offered 9 Girl of the Year dolls. None of the
    nine have been African American. Are there plans to manufacture an
    African American Girl of the Year? Thank you for your reply. Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is American Girl's comment to another potential customer who inquired about the absence of an AA AG GOTY. Note that their reply to Ruth is identical to the one they sent me.


    Dear Ruth,

    Thank you for requesting an African American Girl of the Year character.
    We appreciate your suggestion to create a doll that celebrates this
    heritage and we are happy to note your interest.

    We are very proud of the amount of diversity represented in all of our
    doll lines and we are committed to creating dolls that represent a wide
    range of races, cultures, and ethnicities. Our mission is to 'Celebrate
    Girls', all girls. Thank you again for taking the time to share your
    request. Your comments will help us serve you (and all American girls)
    better.

    Sincerely,

    American Girl Customer Service
    Phone: 1-800-845-0005 or 608-831-5210
    Fax: 608-828-4790
    Available Monday - Sunday 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. Central Time


    Original Message Follows:
    ------------------------
    I am wondering if there will ever be an African American Girl Of The
    Year. Addy has been by herself for a long time. She needs a companion or
    updated AA version with a current story. Thanks. Ruth

    ReplyDelete
  3. We purchased Calista from the BFC Ink line. She has glasses and is very beautiful. I had not realized this lack of an AA GOTY but now I am glad we didn't buy American Girl for this reason as well.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Thanks for reminding me about 18-inch Calista. This doll is another nice alternative to AG dolls. She has interests, is pose-able (jointed knees), and comes with a journal.

    dbg

    ReplyDelete
  5. they should make another black goty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Neecie,

      Has there ever been a Black American Girl Girl of the Year?

      dbg

      Delete

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