Black Doll Designers at the Strong Museum

Photo credit: themuseumofplay.org

"Learn about the pivotal role that Black designers have played in diversifying toy aisles in Black Doll Designers, open on the museum’s first floor (near The Strong Express Train)." 

The Strong Museum of National Play

One Manhattan Square

Rochester, New York 14607

+1 (585) 263-2700

info@museumofplay.org 

Read more here.

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©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
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Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Updated: Opal Lee Inspiring Woman Barbie

Dr. Opal Lee admires a showcase of Black dolls at the 2024 Queenish Black Dolls Showcase in Lancaster, Texas, as I and others look on.

Update: The buzz is true. Here is the Amazon link to purchase the Opal Lee Barbie. 

Read more about this remarkable woman and the doll here.

A recent online buzz about Barbies planned for 2026 includes a portrait doll of the "Grandmother of Juneteenth," Dr. Opal Lee. A former educator, Dr. Lee's tireless and passionate civil rights work culminated in Juneteenth becoming a national holiday, signed into legislation by President Joe Biden in 2021.  

While official information from Mattel is pending, the online buzz projects the release of the Opal Lee Barbie during Black History Month. It is unknown if the doll will be a one-of-a-kind or mass-produced. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a mass-produced doll.

Navigate here to view images of the proposed doll.

__________

All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, Black Doll Collecting Blog readers!

Rerooted Barbie Basics #3

Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, I’m grateful for the visitors and friends who stop by to read my doll musings, who share a love for Black dolls and the stories they carry. May the coming year bring you meaningful finds, joyful displays, and deeper appreciation for the beauty, heritage, and representation these dolls embody. Thank you for reading, supporting, and celebrating with me. I look forward to a wonderful 2026 and wish the same for you and yours! 

__________

All photos and text are copyrighted and cannot be used elsewhere unless permission is granted by the author.

©Black Doll Collecting/dbg

There are countless items to collect and write about. Black dolls chose me.
__________

Thank you for reading. Comments that are not spam are appreciated. Spam comments will not be published. To contact me directly, go to the About page (visible in the web view mode); find and use the email link.

Visit and follow DeeBeeGee's Virtual Black Doll Museum for detailed installations of antique, vintage, modern, and one-of-a-kind black dolls. http://virtualblackdollmuseum.com