On November 10, 2023, I walked through the doors of 1 Manhattan Square Drive, the world-renowned Strong National Museum of Play. I hadn’t been there in years, but that night I was there for a good reason … to experience the exhibit of Black Dolls.
As I explored the exhibit, I noticed the new renovations and upgrades to the museum and the dozens of kids enjoying the interactive stations.
Avoiding collisions with running children and strollers, I was drawn to the showcases holding cherished treasures. I read the accompanying text in the display cases and captured pictures of the miniature masterpieces.
I continued my journey through Black doll land, and I stopped dead in my tracks as I locked eyes with one of my childhood favorites: Addy Walker — a staple for so many American girls, especially Black American girls. Addy Walker captured the tenacity and eager spirit of so many Black girls across the country. Addy isn’t just a doll, she’s an icon and role model.
Even as an adult, I was starstruck in a sense. How is that possible? Being starstruck by a doll? It sounds silly, but it is indeed possible, and rightfully so. Addy and the Black Barbie were staples in my childhood. They were proof that I, a Black girl, was special, worthy, and beautiful. In a world that tells Black girls and women we aren’t good enough, Addy defied mainstream claims. It warms my heart that over time, dolls with dark brown skin, coily and kinky hair, full lips, and deep brown eyes have made their mark on the shelves of hundreds of stores and also online.
Long story short: The Black Dolls exhibit is more than a display of toys, and more than a walk down memory lane. The Black Dolls exhibit is a testament to the beauty of a people, a reminder of the value of a people — it’s proof and legacy of Black people who have overcome and excelled despite many obstacles. This exhibit reflects the past, celebrates our present, and is a blueprint for a brighter future to come.
