Where are the African American princesses? It?s a question that mothers of little Black girls have been asking for years, and the debate is heating up again. From recent postings on message boards to yearlong email petitions, Black moms are calling out and calling on Disney? to include their daughters in the company?s princesses? line.
Articles have been written and studies conducted attesting to how the world of make believe, and the images a child sees in print and on screen, play a significant role in developing a positive self-image. Unfortunately, moviemakers have yet to produce an animated film with an African-American character in the lead. ?Instead of waiting for Disney and others to step up to the plate, or even expecting them to, we need to call on the talent in our own community,? stated Rhonda Martin, a freelance writer and mother of twins. ?I asked the princess question six years ago when my kids were celebrating their 1st birthday. I?d always noticed the occasional generic ethnic images in retail stores, but not until I became a mother looking for party decorations and room d?cor did I realize that not much existed, especially for young girls.? After many years of frustration, Martin decided to do something about it.
In 2005 she launched Chocolate Kissed Kids, with the help of some very talented artists. The company?s primary business is developing properties and media content for children of color. Ayanna, Nyah and Zakia are the company?s Chocolate Kissed Princesses. ?My initial desire was to develop one princess, but my dilemma was in deciding what complexion she should have. I have two sisters and together we?re three different shades of beauty, so I decided to offer three royal sisters with that same mix.? The additional properties include hip-hop frogs for young boys, chocolate kissed dancers (each available in four shades), and two fairy lines --- one targeted to ?tweens and teens and the other specifically created for newborns, toddlers and twins. Martin is particularly pleased with the uniqueness of the company?s dreadlocked Lotus Fairy. Her goal is to make sure every property under the Chocolate Kissed Kids brand have unique ethnic features, not simply dark-skinned versions of what?s already on the market.
Chocolate Kissed Kids products can be found online through Cafepress.com, a print-on-demand company that offers apparel, room d?cor items including pillows and posters, and gift items. The company?s online presence through CafePress is the first step in getting national exposure for Chocolate Kissed Kids and its characters. Martin hopes to land licensing deals with major companies and manufacturers. ?I want our kids to walk into places like Target, Toys R Us, bedding retailers and party stores and see products and designs that reflect their image and culture.? Information about the company and a link to its online store can be found at chocolatekissedkids.com.
Chocolate Kissed Kids(tm) was founded in 2005 and is based in the Chicago area. Its primary business is developing properties and media content for children of color. The company's goal is to be the leading provider of African American characters and lifestyle brands that recognize a need and fill the void that currently exists in the marketplace. Company lines include: Chocolate Kissed Princesses, Adinkra Fairies, Hip-Hopper Nation, Enchanted Land of Umber and Chocolate Kissed Dancers
# # #
More Princess And The Frog Press Releases
No comments:
Post a Comment