About this episode:
From children’s books, to cartoons, to the worlds of fantasy and make believe, it can sometimes seem as if Black characters are on the side-lines, or don’t exist at all. Especially around the holidays, Black parents get creative to find toys for their kids that reflect just how beautiful and special they are.
More than three decades ago, Yla Eason took matters into her own hands when her Black son said that he couldn’t be a superhero because he’s not white. Trymaine Lee talks to Yla, about why she created Sun-Man, one of the first Black superhero toys in America, and the challenges she encountered along the way.
And we get some words of wisdom from Trymaine’s 8-year-old daughter, Nola, on why representation in toys matters.
Find the transcript here.
Further Reading and Listening:
- Pioneering Black doll Baby Nancy enters Toy Hall of Fame
- Serena Williams on the Qai Qai doll and wanting to ‘share joy’
- Into an American Uprising: Talking to Kids About Racism