Baby Beatriz Doll Project Visual - Equal Doll Representation

Click the video's "play" arrow to download, then click the "play" arrow to view the graphics or read the text at each pause point.  Continue to press the "play" arrow to view each segment of Emily Kissner's "Baby Beatriz Doll Project Visual Presentation" until you reach THE END. 

The Beatriz Doll Project on Prezi

I want a Baby Beatriz doll; I want Baby Beatriz dolls available for everyone who desires one; I want equal doll representation for all the little and big children [at heart] of the world. 

Emily, I applaud your tenacity, your brilliance, your hard work.

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Brownstone Buddies, As Seen In...

Brownstone Buddies

... the May 2011 issue of Essence, page 132, Brownstone Buddies are soft-sculptured dolls created by partnering moms and friends, Crystal Ganderson-Reid and Janai Nelson.  In an effort to add diversity to the toy market, the multicultural doll line includes an African American math whiz, a Spanish book lover, and an  Indian dancer.  Other ethnicities, male and female, are represented in 28-inch doll form. 

The Essence article notes that the line was launched in 2009 by FAO Schwarz (women, you go!)  The dolls are priced $19.99 with an original retail of $59.99 at the FAO website and are described as:

Brownstone Buddies are a group of fun-loving friends who live in an idyllic brownstone neighborhood. These spirited preschoolers represent the many cultures of children across the globe. Each of the Brownstone Buddies has an exciting back-story and a specific interest. They all come with the collectible Brownstone Buddies Passport to the World which you can personalize and stamp. Traveling with a world of ideas, Brownstone Buddies invite you to join them in exploring worlds and expanding minds!

For more information about Brownstone Buddies, meet the women behind the dolls here; visit their website, tell a friend, and if you collect dolls of this type, order one or two. 


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A Mother's Love

From Africa ...

to America, a mother's love endures.*

A Mother's Love

A mother's eyes so often shine with laughter, joy, or tears...and with the pride of seeing children blossom through the years.

A mother's lips give kisses, cautions, praise, and good advice. She shares her faith and values through hard work and sacrifice.

A mother's hands are busy trying to meet her children's needs, but quick to give applause whenever one of them succeeds.

Throughout her children's lives, a mother plays a vital part.

She is their shining star, their inspiration, and their heart.

Author Unknown

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

*These circa 1970s drawings, signed by Larry Wooden, were unframed when a cousin gave them to my mother during the 1970s.  She (the cousin) purchased them from the artist on an NYC street.  My mother later re-gifted them to me during the 1990s.  

After searching the Internet for images that illustrate a mother's love, I found Son of Ellis' striking image and almost asked if I could use it, before remembering my own. 

As I removed the now framed drawings from the wall in my den for individual close-up photos, I remembered when Mama asked, "Do you want these?" and my thrilled reply, "Yes!"  What a blessing to know the meaning of a mother's love.

Thanks, Mama, for all that you are and for all that you do.

*Addendum: 08/15/2020. Recently a Facebook friend posted the cover of the June 1970 issue of Essence magazine. I immediately realized that the artist of the second black and white sketch was inspired by the Essence cover image of the late Tamara Dobson and child. Ms. Dobson was a popular 1970s-1980s actress who portrayed the 1970s Blaxploitation movie character, Cleopatra Jones.

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