About
The Clark Doll Experiment conducted in 1939 and recreated in 2010, demonstrates the impact of limited options on black children’s mental health, as a whole, creating for some strong biases. Additionally, research has identified play as essential to children’s social, emotional, cognitive, physical, and linguistic development. In particular, research has linked play to the positive development of children’s social skills, self-esteem, emotional expression, community building, creativity, self-confidence, and self-discovery.
The Original Black Doll Project knows that it’s important for children to see themselves reflected in product and content and to be exposed to different skin tones, hair types, and abilities. recognizes the importance of representation and is committed to continuing to better reflect the world kids see today.
We cannot achieve our mission of providing dolls & books in order to inspire the limitless potential in every girl without acknowledging the barriers and racism impacting Black girls specifically. We stand united in the fight against racism and are committed to showing up, doing the work, and allocating the resources. We know these actions are just the beginning and we will keep working until the next generation truly believes they can be anything, without the barriers of racial injustice and discrimination.
We first have to teach our children that it’s okay to love themselves and that they are beautiful inside and out. Building a child’s self-esteem takes daily effort. It doesn’t happen by osmosis. You have to not only tell them how great they really are but also show them why they should have personal pride in themselves, their family and in their community.The Original Black Doll Project is more than just black dolls, it’s also about black children's literature and ensuring that every child has a doll that looks like them. Part of what helps a child flourish is feeling like they belong and your donation can help make that reality. New black, brown, girl, boy, disabled or any other doll is both accepted and appreciated. Thank you for supporting our children.
We believe that with stronger representation in our children's play time and literature African American children can embrace who they are, define their future, and can change the world.
Our Mission
The Original Black Doll Project is a purpose-driven initiative, devoted to broadening the view of beauty to include Black and brown girls. Our goal is to provide economically disadvantaged children in the United States with dolls & books that represent them. While also increasing positive representation using black dolls, black books online and creating specialized events/activities that celebrate & enhance their natural beauty inside and out.
Our Vision
The Original Black Doll Project is a purpose-driven initiative, devoted to broadening the view of beauty to include Black and brown girls. Our goal is to increase positive representation among economically disadvantaged children in the United States by providing black dolls, black books and creating specialized events/activities that both celebrate and enhance their natural beauty inside and out.
We want African American girls & women to develop a strong sense of pride in their identity, culture and in their beautiful skin and hair. Our websites, and social media pages will work together to unite & cultivate a positive impact on how we see ourselves.
Children’s early experiences shape what they imagine to be possible. Research shows, starting at the age of five, many girls stop believing their gender can be anything. This issue is called the “Dream Gap.” Early indicators suggest that for Black girls, the impact is even larger and this self-perception at a young age can be detrimental. We are committed to dedicating resources to better understand how to help Black girls close the Dream Gap.
The Original Black Doll Project knows that it’s important for children to see themselves reflected in product and content and to be exposed to different skin tones, hair types, and abilities. recognizes the importance of representation and is committed to continuing to better reflect the world kids see today.
We cannot achieve our mission of providing dolls & books in order to inspire the limitless potential in every girl without acknowledging the barriers and racism impacting Black girls specifically. We stand united in the fight against racism and are committed to showing up, doing the work, and allocating the resources. We know these actions are just the beginning and we will keep working until the next generation truly believes they can be anything, without the barriers of racial injustice and discrimination.
We first have to teach our children that it’s okay to love themselves and that they are beautiful inside and out. Building a child’s self-esteem takes daily effort. It doesn’t happen by osmosis. You have to not only tell them how great they really are but also show them why they should have personal pride in themselves, their family and in their community.