Stitching History: Crafting a Period Rag Doll for Genius: Aretha
A Call from a Legend
My long-standing collaboration with legendary prop master Kevin Ladson led me to an extraordinary project: crafting a period-accurate rag doll for Genius: Aretha. Communicating solely via phone and email while Kevin was on location, I embarked on meticulous research to source materials that would authentically represent the era of Aretha Franklin’s childhood.
Shopping for the right fabrics became a journey into history. I sent Kevin photos of my findings, ensuring each selection resonated with the period. Delving into my collection, I utilized vintage fabrics and trims from my great-grandmother and grandmother. This infusion of familial materials added a profound layer of authenticity to the doll, intertwining personal heritage with cultural history.
*Photo: Shaian Jordan as Little Re (young Aretha) holds an original handmade doll.
A Legacy of Craftsmanship
My journey as a maker began early. Taught to sew by my mother at the age of four, I was mesmerized by my great-grandmother’s ability to create dresses and hats, seemingly by magic. My grandmother further enriched my skills, teaching me knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. These intergenerational lessons became the foundation of my craftsmanship.
For Genius: Aretha, multiple dolls were required, each needing to authentically reflect the period and setting of Aretha Franklin’s childhood. I turned to my collection of vintage trimmings and yarns—materials that carried their histories. The fabrics, stitching, and yarn wigs were carefully chosen to evoke the essence of a handmade doll that a child in that era would have cherished.
Director Suzan-Lori Parks envisioned incorporating these dolls into Aretha’s story. Understanding the weight of that vision, I was fully committed to delivering pieces that were props and visual anchors of Aretha’s early years.
*Photo: Handcrafted rag dolls in progress at the Black Dolls Matter® workshop, created for National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha.
An Unexpected Moment of Recognition
Throughout the process, I had not read the script and was unaware of how the doll would be utilized. I only knew it was intended as a gift from Aretha’s grandmother. I focused on crafting a piece true to the era and worthy of the production’s vision.
It wasn’t until I viewed the trailer that I realized the doll’s significance. There it was, integrated into the visual storytelling of Aretha’s childhood. This moment underscored the impact of thoughtful craftsmanship in narrative art.
*Video: In this scene from Genius: Aretha, young Aretha Franklin, played by Shaian Jordan, sings a duet with Dinah Washington, played by Stacey Sargeant, while holding the handmade rag doll.
Honoring a Legacy
Aretha Franklin is unique in my heart, symbolizing Black excellence and resilience. Contributing to this series was an honor, reflecting a more profound truth: before Black dolls were commercially available, loving Black hands crafted handmade dolls that embodied the beauty of Black children. These creations were more than toys; they affirmed identity and love.
Witnessing my work woven into Aretha Franklin’s narrative was a moment of pride and a reminder of the ongoing importance of Black representation in storytelling. Dolls, like music and history, shape our self-perception and influence how the world views us. This is the essence of my work with Black Dolls Matter®.
*Photo: Handcrafted Black rag doll by Mark Ruffin of Black Dolls Matter®, resting on a workshop table.
A Call to Celebrate and Support Black Dolls
Crafting dolls transcends fabric and stitches; it’s about identity, history, and representation. Like Aretha Franklin’s voice told stories that resonated across generations, Black dolls tell stories of love, self-acceptance, and cultural pride.
I encourage everyone to support and celebrate Black dolls by:
• Owning a Black Dolls Matter® handmade doll, a piece of art that carries history and meaning.
• Donating to Black Dolls Matter®, ensuring more children can experience the joy of seeing themselves represented in the dolls they cherish.
Representation matters—not just on screen, but in the hands of the next generation. Support the movement. Own the story. Let our dolls be daily reminders of celebrating melanated joy.
Donate today: Black Dolls Matter® Donation Link
About the Author
Mark Ruffin is a Daytime Emmy Award-winning costume designer, stylist, doll artist, puppet builder, and advocate for representation in toys and media. As the founder of Black Dolls Matter®, he has dedicated his career to ensuring that Black children and collectors see themselves reflected in the dolls they cherish. His work has been featured in major productions, including National Geographic’s Genius: Aretha, and he continues to be a leading voice in the toy industry’s push for inclusivity.
Learn more and support his work:
