Donor

Marjorie Loring Gauley

I am a retired educator and activist with an appreciation of the artistry which goes into doll making and the history which can be gleaned from studying about them.

I have a vivid memory which perhaps sheds some light on my love of the dolls in my collection.

It was at a rummage sale on a cold winter’s day in the Bronx where I was drawn to a black, rubber baby doll. I recall thinking her beautiful. But my mom could not purchase her for me and so I believe my passion began long before I could make real what had been a wish in a little girl’s heart some seventy five years ago!

The famous doll study conducted by the husband and wife team of Drs. Memie and Kenneth Clark provided concrete evidence of, among other things, the need for children of color to see themselves reflected positively in toys, in the eyes of the adults in their lives, and, of course, in media. This understanding was evidenced in the classrooms in both white suburbs (for white children need this exposure to dolls and stories of people who do not look like them) and in Black communities in which I have been privileged to work.

I take great pleasure in knowing that my dolls have been given new life with others who will care for them now as The American Black Beauty Doll Association lives out its vision to create an appreciation of black dolls for play and education.

Donor

Lyn Rockwell

Thank you for your donation!