The joys of black toys

Bingwa, which means champion in Swahili, sets out to show how math is used in real-world situations while instilling pride in Black children. The software, which is adaptable for home and office use, is utilized by five school systems nationwide.

"When African-American children see someone like them who can succeed and who has excelled, they are more likely to excel," Shelton adds. Among the role models featured in the series are Benjamin Banneker, Dr. Charles Drew, Madame C. J. Walker and modern businessman John H. Johnson.

A bevy of Black-oriented books also inspire children to achieve. David Anderson/SANKOFA's book, The Rebellion Of Humans, takes readers on an enchanting journey through an African tale. The Pleasant Co. explores the courageous history of the celebrated Civil War doll, Addy Walker, with the introduction of three new books, Happy Birthday, Addy!, Addy Saves the Day and Changes for Addy. This season the company also will present a new collection of circa-19th century activity books that open up the world of old-fashioned cookery and fine crafts to modern-day youth.

Black toy distributors, such as Identity Toys and Just Us Books, help Black children step back into a rich past and dream about a bright future, with heritage-based activity books, coloring books, stickers, teen stories, puzzles and board games. And stuffed ethnic friends like Identity Toys' royal Akan teddy bear and Golden Ribbon Playthings' hip-hop New York Kente bear are sure to make handsome stocking stuffers.

It may have taken years to broaden the presence of Black toys and games in the marketplace, and it's sure to take a few more years to get fair distribution of all cultural toys, but having an abundance of ethnically rich playthings for children of all races is a definite plus, top toymakers say. "It makes children feel good about themselves because they're looking at somebody who looks like them and they are not excluded from that fantasy," says Olmec's Eason.

"The ultimate joy," Cultural Toys' Miles concludes, "is that a Black child can finally say, 'Look mom, it's me,' and it's a positive image."