I have often voiced a desire to "put Black dolls on the map," i.e. make a resounding noise for manufacturers and artists to realize the need for their lines to be inclusive... to understand that Black dolls are relevant... they are needed.
It seems the world has been notified. In the past few months I have been interviewed on four separate occasions regarding Black-doll collecting by domestic as well as global reporters. Links to the first three interviews, which have previously been shared under separate posts, are repeated below:
- "Black is Beautiful: Why Black Dolls Matter" (Collectors Weekly) by Lisa Hix, February 21, 2013
- "Talking Dolls Challenge Racial Stereotypes" by Teo Kermeliotis and Ann Colwell, for CNN
- March 12, 2013
- "You've Come a Long Way Baby: Fashion Black Dolls in Demand Like Never Before" by Shaheera Asante – Founder and Editor, BfabAfrica.com March 28, 2013
The fourth, and most recent interview was also published on March 28, 2013.
Ms. Ann Brown asked me to give advice on collecting Black dolls for The Network Journal (TNJ.com) article, "Beyond Barbie: Tips on Black Doll Collecting".
Black dolls are trending in print. I hope this results in an increase in their three-dimensional presence and appreciation across all genres.
dbg
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Hello from Spain: You make a very interesting job. I join your claim of more AA dolls collections. In my country almost no AA dolls for sale. Keep in touch
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful to hear. Let's hope manufacturers are hearing it, too. I will have to catch up on a couple of these articles. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being interviewed so frequently lately, Debbie. I'm so glad that you are voicing the need for Black dolls, and I do hope that we will see many more options in the near future.
ReplyDeleteMarta, Vanessa, and Roxanne - thanks for commenting and for supporting the cause!
ReplyDeletedbg
YAY!!! I like you mantra "put Black Doll on the map". You know how much a treasure your knowledge and love for dolls of color I just want you to know that I am you number one fan! Congrats on being the sought after. Your expertise is invaluable!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Brini for your beautiful words of encouragement!
Delete(Did you notice the globe in the picture used for this blog? That's my symbol for "map.")
dbg
Love your collection up top. I found myself looking at them and trying to see which ones I recognized. I am always amazed at how extensive it is. Kudos to you Debbie!
ReplyDeleteHappy Easter!
Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteThank you, GG and MDW!
ReplyDeletedbg
Neat article! I left a comment on your Beyond Barbie one. Hope it gets printed ;-)
ReplyDeleteI admire the range of your doll collecting. Very impressive.
Hi D7ana,
DeleteThanks for reading the articles and for commenting on the Beyond Barbie... Tips article. I hope your comment is published, too. As of this moment it has not been.
I admire your focus and others who can focus on one doll category or fewer than several. I often wish I could be that collector, but with my personality, I think I would become quite bored. So, I'll take my own advice buy what pleases me.
dbg
Well done! It's great that more interest is being directed to black doll collecting.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Muff.
DeleteI believe the interest in Black dolls (from those who love them) has always been intense. The numbers manufactured has never matched white-doll manufacture, and I hope the gap closes.
What has changed in recent years is the non-collecting community's desire to delve into the psyche of a doll collector, in general. Because of their curiosity many are aware that people collect black dolls and that some collect them exclusively. Not only do they want to know Why collect dolls in the first place? they also often ask, Why collect Black dolls?.
dbg