‘Where’s My Black Doll’ is collecting toys that will be donated in Itaparica and Vera Cruz

Valuing the identity and self-esteem of black boys and girls. This is the proposal for the second edition of the project “Where’s My Black Doll?”, which seeks to collect black dolls for children in situations of social vulnerability. Donations can be made until November 6th at stations in Salvador and in the interior of the state . The toys will be delivered at an event on the 7th.

In 2023, 375 dolls were distributed to children aged four to twelve years old, who reside in the municipalities of Vera Cruz and Itaparica, in the Metropolitan Region of Salvador.

The initiative is created by the Juracy Magalhães Júnior Library, located in Itaparica. Unit director Soraia Alves, 56, says that the idea came after having difficulty buying a black doll for a friend’s daughter. “I never had black dolls, but I always gave them to my daughters and friends’ sons. I want to bring identity, representation, self-esteem so that these children see themselves as protagonists of their stories and value their physical and cultural characteristics. We don’t just want to deliver the toys,” he said.

To achieve this goal, Soraia prepares cultural activities, valuing the well-being of children. Among the actions are conversation circles, storytelling, book distribution and games. Last year, the dolls were handed out during a parade, which was attended by the little ones.

“The children put on the clothes, paraded with the dolls and, in the end, discovered that the doll was theirs. Before, I asked who wanted to participate and they were delighted with the idea of ​​parading. It was a very emotional moment. Even ladies asked me for a black doll because they never had one. The children present among the adults were touched by the parade”, he continues.

This year, Soraia hopes to get even more black dolls. She said she has already received requests from adults and seniors, who are eager to receive their toy.

“The toy affects us, but I only realized that last year. Each child’s smile motivates me to walk, because we need to make sure they choose the doll they want to play with. I only intend to stop when I arrive at a store and see 20 white dolls and 20 black dolls”, he says.

One of the donors was writer Liris Letieres, who has already made new donations for this year. “This is a real possibility of strengthening the identity of black children, through a toy, which represents affection and care. In addition to bringing to light the issue of offering more diverse toys for children”, he stated.

The project is coordinated by the Pedro Calmon Foundation (FPC), linked to the State Department of Culture (Secult). There are 15 collection points in Salvador and in the interior of the state. Last Thursday (24), the Secretariat for the Promotion of Racial Equality (Sepromi) began receiving the toys at the organization’s headquarters, located in Pituba, next to the Jorge Amado Theater. The Central, Anísio Teixeira and Monteiro Lobato libraries also house donation stations.

With guidance from sub-editor Fernanda Varela

Check out the fundraising points for the ‘Where’s My Black Doll?’ action:

Central Library of the State of Bahia – Barris

Anísio Teixeira Library – Avenida Sete

Monteiro Lobato Children’s Library – Nazaré

Thales de Azevedo Public Library – Costa Azul

Juracy Magalhães Júnior Library – Rio Vermelho

Juracy Magalhães Júnior Library – Itaparica

Public Archive of Bahia – Baixa de Quintas

Bahia Memory Center – Barris

Casa Afrânio Peixoto – Lençóis

Extension Library (Mobile Library) – Barris

Excelsior Radio – Garcia

Aleixo Belov Sea Museum – Santo Antônio

Sesc units in the capital and interior