Tips for Affirming African American Girls

Angelina Jolie once voiced her frustration over the lack of dolls that look like her daughter, Zahara, who is of African descent. Angline Jolie isn't the only mother of a Black daughter who is frustrated with the lack of beautiful, positive images and dolls that reflect Black girls. It's a shame. What are some ways that you can solve this problem, and help to affirm your daughter's beauty and specialness?

1. Dolls Like Me

Dolls Like Me is a company that sells dolls that reflect the various shades of African Americans. They even sell multiracial dolls. These dolls are great for African-American girls, because they have dolls that look like them. Their hair comes in various textures to accurately reflect the variety of African American girls' hair. The dolls are not just for African-American girls, but for girls of various ethnicities, such as Latina, Filipino, and Japanese.

It's important for young girls of various ethnicities to have dolls that look like them, because it does affect the way they view themselves. All girls should have the chance to play with dolls that reflect images of their race. Of course, it's ok to play with dolls that reflect another race, but it's important to at least have a few, pleasant looking dolls that reflect a young girl's race.

2. Super Why!

PBS's television show, Super Why! features a Black princess as one of the four main characters. This is the first time that I've seen a Black animated princess on a show, and I love it. I'm excited about my daughter having a great, educational show that features a Black princess. It will do much to not only educate her, but affirm her unique beauty at the same time.

3. Teach History

In simple ways, teach her about the significant contributions of Blacks and women throughout history. It's important to plant seeds while they are young, and educate them about their heritage. When the seeds are planted young, then it's difficult for false information that is intended to make minorities feel inferior to take root.

Through dolls, television, and education, you can help to equip your African American daughter with a strong sense of self and affirmation of her own unique beauty. It is important to start young, before negative seeds can be planted. Many young Black girls suffer from not feeling that their beauty is celebrated by others. And, they are right, it is not celebrated as much as other races. But, as a parent or educator, you can plant seeds now that can help young Black ladies to grow into confident women who know that they are beautiful on the inside and out.