MBCNews - Collecting, Distributing Ethnic Dolls Promotes Positive Self-Image

Collecting, Distributing Ethnic Dolls Promotes Positive Self-Image

By Melissa Jones

2009-11-01

*Black Baby Doll collection drive continues until December 1, see below for details.

There is a room on campus filling with female nurses, doctors, businesswomen, athletes ... and babies. They share rich skin tones and dark eyes. But these women aren’t blinking — they are dolls. In those eyes, hundreds of young girls in the area have found someone who looks like they do through Mary Baldwin College’s Black Baby Doll drive.

Reverend Andrea Cornett-Scott, associate vice president for inclusive excellence, introduced the Black Baby Doll collection campaign in 1996 as a service project for freshmen in the Black Student Alliance. The goal was, and still is, to gather as many dolls representing American ethnic minorities as possible to give to children in the community to promote a positive self-image and confidence in young girls of color. This year, students in two Leadership Gateways — the Ida B. Wells Living Learning Community and the Career Academy — are teaming up to sponsor the Black Baby Doll drive.

During the past 13 years, thousands of dolls have been distributed to girls throughout Virginia via organizations including New Directions, Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, Booker T. Washington Community Center, and Toys for Tots. Last year, the group even sent dolls to Liberia. This year, Scott hopes to send dolls to Jamaica.

The project also raises awareness about important issues concerning identity and race. “It’s based on evidence that black children often struggle with issues of self-esteem and think they’re ugly. If they don’t develop a positive self image early and aren’t taught that they are beautiful, then they will not love themselves, ” Scott said. “We want to show the children that beauty isn’t defined by a certain eye or hair color.”

Scott believes that black dolls are particularly meaningful for children in biracial families. For example, a girl who is raised without her black mother might not know how to style her hair, Scott explained. If she has a doll with ethnic hair, it gives her confidence about sporting those dark curls.

“We’ve seen children really begin to understand that they are beautiful. We’ve watched that happen,” she said.

But the dolls do more than just promote a positive self-image. Families that cannot afford to buy presents use them to make Christmas a special occasion.

“There are children who are leaving their homes and going to live in domestic violence shelters and can’t take anything with them,” Scott said. “This doll might be the only thing they have, the only thing that reminds them of home. It becomes a lifeline.”

While Scott wants as many dolls as she can get, she has important guidelines about what dolls she will distribute. She wants dolls that are tan to brown in complexion with black or brown eyes, and ethnic hair if possible. Bratz, Flava, Dora, and dolls with tattoos or piercings don’t meet the criteria.

“It is important to have positive physical portrayals of black women in the community,” said Shaterika Parks, ’10. “Many of these dolls are dressed as doctors, teachers, gymnasts, and lawyers, allowing the young women that receive them aspire to become [examples] in the community.”

Scott agrees, adding with a chuckle, “We want dolls that can help us talk about beauty, and Bratz dolls just don’t look like real children.”

“We are helping to raise issues of color and identity on campus,” Scott said. “Even in 2009, that struggle is very real.”

“It is much more than just donating black baby dolls, it’s about making an impact on a young girl’s life,” said Quiana Robinson, ’13. “ [These young ladies] are the future and the way they feel about themselves now will determine what kind of life they will lead in many years to come. So in a way, it’s a chain reaction, [we’re] making a great impact on a child’s life and in turn, they make an even greater impact on the world.”

Your Donations Count
Drop off new, unopened dolls in Rev. Scott’s office until November 2. Dolls will be collected in the Spencer Center until Black Baby Doll Day November 12.

Dolls should be tan to brown in complexion with black or brown eyes. African-American dolls should have ethnic hair if possible. Children love Barbies, but they should be career-oriented and ethnic. Baby, fashion and porcelain dolls, are welcome, but no Bratz, Flava, Dora, slave dolls, or dolls with tattoos or piercings. Please don’t bring princess dolls or dolls with fairy wings.

Monetary donations can be made to help purchase additional dolls. Pleas write checks to MBC and specify “Black Baby Dolls” in the memo.