4 Black-Owned Doll Brands You Need to Know!

Positively Perfect Dolls

Parents of Black children have more options than ever to find quality toys, merchandise and entertainment that reflect the brilliance and beauty of their children! From animated series based brands such as Doc McStuffins to children's book series like "Jupiter Strong", a diverse array of edifying content that reflects our multi-hued, global collective continues to grow in numbers every day.

Although a growing number of children's brands have recently taken advantage of filling the void of ethnic diversity in doll manufacturing, creating dolls with African phenotypes is not a recent innovation. Mattel released it's first African-American fashion doll, "Christie", in 1968. Advertised as Barbie's friend, Christie, was a brown version of her white variant, lacking distinguishable African features. Nonetheless, the inclusion of Christie into Barbie's world was a tremendous moment for young Black girls during that era. However, marketing black dolls as a "Black version" or "Friend of white version", instead of creating a distinct identity for Black dolls, diminished their importance. There have been Black versions of white dolls for decades preceding the invention of Christie.

Almost 50 years later, Black doll artisans have taken the global market by storm with their authentic, diverse and culturally rich contributions to toy manufacturing.

Queens of Africa Dolls: This Nigerian-based company specializes in an array of cultural children's entertainment products. What do they have to say about their dolls? "Queens of Africa celebrates being an African girl in the 21st century by drawing on the strengths and achievements of our ancestors and bring them up to date to empower and inspire today's generation of African girls."

Trinity Designs: Not only are these chic fashion dolls diverse and stylish, but they also wear the brands of black greek tradition. Each sorority is represented beautifully in their collection. Their mission states: As we celebrate black beauty through dolls we endeavor to produce high quality collectibles that inspire, captivate and encourage young women and children to love the skin they’re in. We’re so happy to design beautiful dolls that really are a reflection of who we are. As we celebrate black beauty we celebrate also the idea that dreams do come true. We only dreamed of developing a line of dolls but with perserverance and hard work we have managed to make a footprint in the doll industry.

EthiDolls: Talk about culture rich! These regal beauties are the creation of two New York City-based Ethiopian Doll Makers. Don't be fooled! These stunning dolls celebrate iconic African royalty: Queen Makeda and Queen Mother Yaa Asentawaa.

Positively Perfect: These adorable babies are the brainchild of a mother and former professor who wants to offer a positive alternative for our children in hopes of "inspiring the best in young people". Positively Perfect dolls can be found at your local Wal-Mart and Target stores.