Black toys: gifts for play and pride - Buyers Guide

Ebony, Nov, 1992 by Lisa C. Jones

ONCE upon a time, African-American children could only wish for toys, games and dolls that positively depicted their cultural experience and mirrored their complexions and other features. But not anymore.

Today, Black-oriented toys share the shelves with other adorable, new and longstanding favorites that make the retaft toy industry a $14 billion giant. And in 1992, key toy mantffacturers, Blackowned toy companies and general-market chain stores, such as Toys 'R' Us, lead the way by offering a sackful of bedazzling, educational and enjoyable items created with African-American tots and teens in mind.

Whether you're looking for cuddly baby dolls, high-fashion model and celebrity athlete figures, or ethnically themed books and geography-related puzzles, there seems to be no end to the tide of colorful playtime items available this holiday season.

Among the top 1992 entries are Tyeo's Kenya doll, a 13" soft, brown beauty and Hasbros carefree Splash 'n Tan doll that tans when exposed to the sun.

Pretty fashion dolls pair up with equally handsome mates this year, too. Black-owned Olmee Corp.'s Kenteclothed Imani doll teams up with Menelik, a princely figure who asserts his ethnic pride through cultural garb and a contemporary haircut. Mattel Toys' Blaek-oriented Shani dolls--last year's trendy trio of dolls that bursted on the scene with various Black features--also welcome a male chum, Jamal. Draped in a svelte party tuxedo, the debonair Jamal figurine boasts the same rich features that made Shani so appealing.

Traditional fairy tales come alive with a touch of ethnic flair in entrancing follow-along story books and tapes for young readers. Presented by Confetti Entertainment Co. Inc., childhood favorites such as The Frog Prince and Sleeping Beauty paint positive images for African-American children in these colorful, easy-to-read ethnic renditions. Each story features an audio-taped child drama, animated music and narration by actor Robert Guillaume.

Even the mega video game market will add a few stocking stuffers to the Black-oriented toy list this fail. The season's most popular video game titles indude George Foremans KO Boxing and the NBA All-Star Challenge--both available for Nintendo and Sega game systems.

And in commemoration of the 1992 Olympic basketball "Dream Team," a limited edition gift pack featuring the 10 NBA celebrity players is available.

Although most of these special toy items can be found at major department stores, a few are sold solely through mail-order. So be sure to shop early to give Santa ample rime to fill his sleigh with a variety of beautiful, ethnically rich, esteem-building treats.