More Than a Smile: The Triumph in My Eyes at Toy Fair

I took a selfie at the Toy Fair in New York City yesterday. It wasn’t a staged moment of elation, no wide grin or exaggerated enthusiasm. Just me, present, taking in the moment.

But here’s the thing: after decades of fighting to see Black children and children of color represented in the toy and entertainment industries, my emotions run more profound than a smile. My presence at the Toy Fair isn’t about fleeting excitement but endurance, purpose, and an unwavering commitment to change.

For years, I’ve pushed against bolted-closed doors, heard “no” more times than I can count, and watched an industry hesitant—sometimes outright resistant—to the idea that Black dolls and diverse toys matter even when the demand was there. even when parents, collectors, and kids themselves made it clear that they deserved to see reflections of their beauty in their toys.

I created Black Dolls Matter® not because it was easy but necessary. Representation isn’t a trend—it’s a right. Every child deserves to feel seen. When my then-five-year-old nephew instinctively picked the white action figure over the identical Black one and said he wanted it because it was “better,” I knew there was still work.

So maybe I wasn’t beaming in that selfie. But if you look closely, there’s something more powerful in my eyes: triumph. Not just because I’ve made it this far but because I’m still here. And I ain’t done yet.

The work continues. Black Dolls Matter®.