HomeLifestyleHampton University Alum Creates Line of HBCyoU Dolls

Hampton University Alum Creates Line of HBCyoU Dolls

Brooke Hart Jones, a Hampton University alum, created a line of HBCyoU Dolls. She wanted to showcase a sense of HBCU pride through this line. Characters include student body president Hope, cheer captain Alyssa, and homecoming queen Nicole. Each doll comes complete with a biography listing their major and extracurricular passions. On each doll’s outfit are the logos of esteemed HBCUs, including Morehouse College, Clark Atlanta University, Tuskegee University, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Jones partnered with a prominent Black-owned toy company, Purpose Toys, to release the dolls. The collection of three 18-inch dolls with natural hairstyles and interchangeable outfits representing different HBCUs. The dolls aim to give children ages three and up a “sense of ethnic familiarity and be an aspirational role model – who dreams big, sets goals,  work hard, and manifests a rewarding future for herself.”

The HBCyoU Dolls are Purpose Toys’ latest toy release. DeeDee Wright-Ward founded the toy company to support emerging Black toy entrepreneurs. She wanted to help create toys that represent and align with the modern Black experience.

“The African American community is a nuanced, multi-dimensional group with varying sensibilities and experiences,” Wright-Ward said. “Through Naturalistas and HBCyoU Dolls, Purpose Toys ushers in the perfect opportunity to honor the uniqueness and multifaceted nature of our community and African American culture.”

“While ‘diversity,’ ‘representation’ and ‘inclusion’ are slowly becoming the corporate norm, more work needs to be done to bring cultural nuances, authentic brand stories, and Black ownership to the toy aisle,” she added. “We hope to affect positive change not only in toy development but in business overall.”

The HBCyoU Dolls are on select shelves at Target stores and online. Get yours today!

Categories

Latest Posts