Remember the Kenya dolls from the 90s that captured nearly every little brown girl's heart? Well, they're back! Kenya first hit shelves in 1992 and became an overnight success -- consistently selling out in stores across the country and ultimately becoming one of the cult favorite toys of the decade.
Kenya® is the world's oldest ethnic doll brand, and her first doll debuted at the 1992 New York Toy Fair, becoming the first ethnic toy to be featured in TV commercials! Even today, Kenya® remains as popular as ever, and many moms fondly remember her!
Tyco Toy Company debuted during the New York International Toy Fair, with their first ethnic doll line, “Kenya.” She fast became the talk of Toy Fair, with press publications in Newsday (“She’s Black Like Me”), Ebony, Essence, NY Times, Jet and other publications.
It's that rich history and deep sense of integrity attached to the brand that inspired the presidents/CEOs of Kenya's World, Donald Levine and his son Neil Levine, who also head DML Associates, the original entity that created the property of Kenya, to bring the dolls back after production stopped in 1996 following a failed licensee change.
Kenya was not only beautiful, she had African American facial features, and incredible natural curls that could be relaxed with her magic lotion, making it easier for girls to braid and bead her hair. Wash her hair in warm water, and her lovely curls returned. She captured the true life style of African American girls.
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A Symbol of Representation
At last there was a doll that showed representation mattered for millions of girls who previously had owned Caucasian dolls molded in brown plastic.
Created to provide girls of color with a toy that reflected their appearance (both their skin tone and features) and could be used as a tool to instill self-esteem, the dolls are arguably just as important today as they were then.
Oct. 1, 1992, 250,000 dolls hit store shelves. She came in 3 different shades of brown skin tone, and 3 different hair colors. Tyco ran a full advertising TV campaign during Prime Time shows that kids watched, making it historically, the first time a toy was advertised to the African American audience.
By Black Friday in November, the doll had sold out! Tyco had underestimated the consumer.
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The Relaunch and Expansion
Manufacturers of the popular Kenya doll, plan to relaunch the all-African-American line of dolls in November. And yes, she will still come with her trusty Magic Hair Lotion, styling guide and hair accessories to keep her flowing mane in shape.
Kenya's World LLC, the company relaunching the product line, is hoping those women help fuel the enthusiasm and buy the new dolls for the next generation of little girls when they hit shelves once again this November. "We want to use Kenya as an historical brand, to be able to springboard our message of pride within the family and community," Neil Levine explained to The Huffington Post.
The new crop of dolls will be available in three different skin tones just as they were in the 90s and come with a Magic Hair Lotion, Styling Guide and hair accessories. The new crop of dolls will be available in three different skin tones just as they were in the 90s and come with a Magic Hair Lotion, Styling Guide and hair accessories.
However, the relaunch isn't just about the classic Kenya doll, the company is also creating products for the infant and tween markets. Building off the brand's tagline "growing up proud, just like me," the debut of the My First Kenya doll (for newborns to toddlers) and Kenya "Fashion Madness" (for girls ages 8-14) is also scheduled for November.
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While the Kenya doll and its plush newborn version are sure to be hits, it's the introduction of the "Fashion Madness" line that presents the most multi-platform opportunities for the company. The dolls that make up the collection are grown-up, Barbie-like versions of Kenya and her stylish crew: best friend Denise, boyfriend TJ and little sister Keyshia.
Following the initial product launches this fall, Kenya's World plans to develop television programming, films, mobile applications and music albums. The grownup Kenya doll is the lead singer of a group called Rock Star Madness, which you can read about on her blog.
Yup, Kenya 2.0 is no joke. There is also a real-life version of Kenya played by "Hannah Montana" star Shanica Knowles. The rest of Kenya's "Fashion Madness" crew also has human counterparts, who will make appearances and star in music videos--like its first one called "Proud" (see video below).
If These Dolls Could Talk: The Hidden History of Black Dolls
Kenya's Circle of Friends Collection
Launching later this year will be the all new Kenya’s Circle of Friends Collection featuring 11.5” and 16” dolls as well as a styling head. Her big sister Ebony comes in this collection with all of her friends from around the world.
Kenya is the oldest, most loved ethnic doll brand in America and has put smiles on millions of little girls’ faces. Today’s moms had Kenya as a child and now can embrace that memory with their daughters. Inclusivity matters, and Kenya over the past 30 years, has touched the hearts of so many girls.
Project Pride: A Cultural Movement
The company wants to make it clear that the relaunch is not just about putting another doll on the market, it is about creating a movement. Kenya's World, has formed "Project Pride,"a cultural initiative within the brand that aims to foster respect, responsibility and educational growth within the black community.
The company will be embarking on a cross-country tour this fall, visiting schools, putting on live performances, conducting community events and attending in-store appearances. "There an opportunity to create a cultural movement and awareness for African American children, Hispanic children and multicultural children to give them the foundation of pride within family and community," Levine told The Huffington Post.
The team behind Kenya's World is passionate about continuing Kenya's legacy of pride and self-acceptance. Levine says he plans to apply the model to the Hispanic community and other ethnic groups over the next few years.
Kenya will be a welcome addition to a toy doll market that often lacks diversity.
Special Edition Doll
This special edition doll captures the magic of 1992 with her pink printed pants, neon pink top, sneakers, and of course, her famous magical hair!
Her hair is full of natural curls, and you can use the magic lotion to make them smooth and easy to braid and bead! Kenya® is 13" tall and fully poseable. Her magical hair is washable. She has realistic round eyes.
The set includes a hairstyle guide, beads, rubber bands, a magical beading needle, curlers, a pick comb, the doll, her outfit, sneakers, golden earrings, and magic lotion, giving you hours of fun hair play!
Other Notable Black Dolls and Toys
Here's a glimpse at other African-American dolls and toys that have made a memorable impact:
| Toy | Description | Image |
|---|---|---|
| G.I. Joe (Adventurer Team G.I. Joe) | The line's first African-American action figure, introduced in 1970. | |
| Disney's Princess Tiana | The first Black Disney princess, a significant milestone for representation. | |
| The Christie Doll | Mattel's first Black friend of Barbie, introduced in 1968. |  |
| Addy Walker | The first Black doll in the American Girl collection, telling the story of a Civil War-era family. | |
| Fat Albert | An action figure based on the animated series created by Bill Cosby, popular in the 1970s. |  |
| The Black Ranger | Played by Walter Emanuel Jones in the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. |
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