African-American Doll Exhibit in Atlanta features 1,000+ dolls

ATLANTA — District 10 Council member Andrea L. Boone invites the public to visit the African American Doll Exhibit at the former Adamsville Recreation Center, 3404 Delmar Lane N.W., Atlanta.

Curated by its collector, Jamila Jones, the exhibit is currently on display through the holiday season. It features a worldwide collection of more than 1,000 dolls dating back to the 1800s, including miniatures, life-size dolls, action figures, and the first Black Barbie doll.

“The opportunity to visit an exhibit with a collection celebrating Black dolls is significant to the African American cultural heritage. To see, touch, and learn of the history of each doll is inspiring and important to the development of the children in our community,” Boone said about the collection. “We appreciate Ms. Jones for sharing her collection with the city and are proud that the display reflects the African American legacy with a commitment to the little girls embracing their culture while playing with dolls.”

Several members of the Atlanta City Council recently visited the exhibit and spoke with Jones about her collection and the history of African American dolls. The video of the interviews and visit is available here.