What If We Had Continued to Support Shindana Toys?
What if Black communities had been able to consistently sustain institutions like Shindana Toys? This reflection explores representation, ownership, c…
Richard Henry Boyd Built More Than Dolls
In 1911, Richard Henry Boyd helped establish America’s first Black-owned doll company. But his work was about more than toys — it was about infras…
The Machine
A sewing machine in my childhood home shaped more than fabric. It taught care, patience, and possibility. Long before dolls entered my life, I learned…
Black Boys and Dolls: What Was Taken, What Was Taught, What We’re Reclaiming
Black boys were never meant to be cut off from care. This reflection explores what was taken from childhood play, what culture once taught us about te…
From Liberty to Legacy: How Black Dolls Matter® Honors Philadelphia’s Promise of Freedom for All
Rooted in Philadelphia’s legacy of liberty, Black Dolls Matter® is carrying the city’s promise into the future—one doll, one story, one child a…
Addy Walker’s Dress Was Never Just Fabric: How a Doll Helped Stitch Together History, Identity, and Dignity
Addy Walker’s dress wasn’t just clothing—it was a cultural statement. Created with intention, it honored history, dignity, and resistance. Black…
In Her Hands: The Resilience of Black Mothers Who Gave Their Children Black Dolls
In times of scarcity and struggle, Black mothers shaped more than just toys—they shaped identity. With thread, fabric, and boundless love, they offe…
The Power of Black Dolls to Help Individuals Cope with Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma can shape a person’s life in profound and lasting ways. For many who have experienced adversity, the journey to healing is long and…
