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London Couple Creates Black Dolls For Their Daughters To Maintain African Heritage
Mar 13, 2013
By Terrell Jermaine Starr
Chris and Ada Ngoforo, a Nigerian a couple living in London, grew so frustrated trying to find dolls that look like their young daughters that they decided to take matters into their own hands–by designing their own African-themed doll line called “Rooti Dolls.“
The couple told CNN that they have always been keen on ensuring that their daughters maintain their African heritage. Though, after realizing that neither could speak Igbo, one of Nigerian’s ethnic languages, they became concerned. Not to mention, finding toys that could better aid them in their efforts also became challenging.
“Over the years my wife and I have found it extremely hard finding real black dolls that can truly connect with our little daughters,” Chris says. “The dolls out there in the market are nothing close to the real image of a black child in terms of features and other attributes — they are either too thin, too light or chiseled-faced, and even the complexions of most of the dolls are kind of whitewashed,” says Ngoforo.
Though the couple initially created the dolls of their own children, they soon discovered that their creation was an excellent business opportunity. They began mass producing the dolls and the idea took off from there. The dolls, which reflect women from 12 African nations, are programmed to speak several African languages and promote positive self-images.
READ MORE: http://newsone.com/2277225/rooti-dolls-black-dolls/
Mar 13, 2013
By Terrell Jermaine Starr
Chris and Ada Ngoforo, a Nigerian a couple living in London, grew so frustrated trying to find dolls that look like their young daughters that they decided to take matters into their own hands–by designing their own African-themed doll line called “Rooti Dolls.“
The couple told CNN that they have always been keen on ensuring that their daughters maintain their African heritage. Though, after realizing that neither could speak Igbo, one of Nigerian’s ethnic languages, they became concerned. Not to mention, finding toys that could better aid them in their efforts also became challenging.
“Over the years my wife and I have found it extremely hard finding real black dolls that can truly connect with our little daughters,” Chris says. “The dolls out there in the market are nothing close to the real image of a black child in terms of features and other attributes — they are either too thin, too light or chiseled-faced, and even the complexions of most of the dolls are kind of whitewashed,” says Ngoforo.
Though the couple initially created the dolls of their own children, they soon discovered that their creation was an excellent business opportunity. They began mass producing the dolls and the idea took off from there. The dolls, which reflect women from 12 African nations, are programmed to speak several African languages and promote positive self-images.
READ MORE: http://newsone.com/2277225/rooti-dolls-black-dolls/
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