American Girl Debuts New Civil Rights-Era Doll
American Girl is making admirable strides towards playtime inclusion and doll-line diversity with the news of the newest addition to the wildly popular toys. Welcome to the girl group Melody Ellison, a nine-year-old girl who loves to sing. But what makes her truly remarkable is that the Detroit-born gal is not only African-American, she’s also a Civil Rights activist which is basically beyond amazing.
That’s right! Little Melody is from 1960’s Detroit where, according to company’s website, she grew up among, “great energy, optimism, and change for the African-American community” and with her tiny pin proclaiming, “Equal Rights in ‘63” she wants to use her voice to help change the world. All we can say is, go, Melody, go!
But don’t think that Miss Melody is some flippant attempt at inclusion. Every aspect of the newest American Girl, from her backstory to her hair texture to her political leaning, was created with the advice of a six-panel advisory board made up of historians, educators and the late Civil Rights activist Julian Bond.
She won’t come cheap though, with the doll and accompanying paperback book selling for a cool $150. Worth it? We have to go with, (if you can afford it) absolutely!
Find out more about Melody Ellison in her very own introductory video below.
Do you love American Girl’s new doll, Melody Ellison? Tweet us @britandco!
(h/t The Detroit News; photo via American Girl)
