They represent the intelligent and refined Negro of today, rather than that type of toy that is usually given to the children, and used as a scarecrow.” Click here to learn more about Henry’s legacy.ģ. The National Negro Doll Company advertisement stated “these toys are not made of that disgraceful and humiliating type that we have been accustomed to seeing. Boyd created the National Negro Doll Company to show a more positive representation of Black dolls, instead of disrespectful dolls with caricature features.Īfter the Civil War, African Americans were depicted with exaggerated features, big lips, and enlarged eyes and this carried over to Black dolls. In 1911 Henry Boyd founded the National Negro Doll Company the first Black doll company which he created for his daughters. He was an entrepreneur, preacher, missionary, publisher, banker, and a Black Nationalist. As a former slave Boyd was born Dick Gray on March 5, 1843. The National Negro Doll Company was founded by Richard Henry Boyd. Read more here as to what materials he used and reasons on why he often painted dolls with sad faces.Ģ. (1911): Former slave Henry Boyd founded the National Negro Doll Company becoming the first to create a Black doll company and market mass-produced Black dolls. Leo’s dolls were made of different material he pieced together.
According to the Guardian, the looks of the first set of dolls were inspired by family and close friends of Leo before he started to make dolls for specific people. The uniqueness of Leo’s story is that he was an untrained doll maker who made dolls for Black girls through his imagination.Īt first, Leo decided to paint white made dolls Black but seeing as the features were a bit of a problem, he decided to start from scratch. The couple lived a relatively decent life and after Leo conceived the idea, he made dolls for young girls per request. Leo lived in Macon, Georgia with his wife Lee Ann Moss who was a popular dressmaker. made Black doll.Īfter years of seeing several dolls for white girls, Leo Moss decided to use his imagination to create Black dolls for Black girls. (Late 1800s): Carpenter and handyman Leo Moss introduces the first known U.S. So with that said, here’s my report on The Legacy of Black Dolls and Why It Matters! Let’s begin shall we.ġ. Without those pioneers Corage Dolls wouldn’t exist today.
As Black History Month prepares to come to a close, I’d like to honor the many Black dolls that have come before me and the creators who’ve showed us why representation matters always. There are those throughout history who have paved the way to develop Black dolls so that young Black girls could build self-love and cultural pride. That’s the same feeling many young girls especially girls of color have when they finally see themselves and with beautiful Black dolls there’s a rich history and legacy.
A doll is often one of the first toys a girl has and when I first saw myself reflected in one, I lite up with joy and happiness knowing that I mattered. What I love so much about toys is that they build your imagination, help spark creativity, and serve as a comfort and a companion.
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