On the lowest level of the public library of Amsterdam is an exposition that emphasizes the ever-growing representation of diversity and inclusivity, ‘Black Barbies’. It’s situated in the kids area, a bold choice, but a well-considered decision, considering that young children are the first to encounter diversity and inclusivity.

The evolving landscape of the toy industry explores the significance of diversity and representation. It was in 1967 that Mattel, the company behind Barbie, first introduced their black skinned doll. However, these dolls were merely seen as Barbie’s friends and were just a shadow of existence resulting in a lack of acknowledgment as a real Barbie doll. In the years preceding the production of Black Barbie, Professor Patricia A. Turner, a senior dean at UCLA, noted that society was undergoing fast change, partly as a result of the civil rights movement . Stating that it was ‘no coincidence’ the doll emerged during this time due to the increase of black people’s upward mobility. (For Generations, Black Barbie Has Been a Symbol of Power, Upward Mobility and Imagination, 2023).

OBA, Public Library Amsterdam

As a way to emphasise this phenomenon, Miss Mylo Freeman, a Dutch/American  illustrator for picture books, has curated an exposition dedicated to black barbie dolls in the OBA, the public library of Amsterdam. She’s fascinated by the creation, and history of the dolls and strives for diversity and inclusivity in the toy industry. Black dolls are a vital component of the doll industry, and kids of all racial and cultural backgrounds can benefit immensely from them. They can aid in debunking misconceptions, fostering inclusivity, and advancing cultural awareness. Such insights didn’t exist in Freeman’s childhood.  Therefore, she started illustrating books and collecting black dolls. Her exposition is meant to function as a learning aid for children to become familiar with the aforementioned terms. ”My exposition conveys a message to children and their parents in a fun and composed manner” she said. ”I think playing with dolls and looking through pictured books are a child’s first turning point towards identifying themselves. It can work as a way to shape their world” Freeman said.

Mylo Freeman, Illustrator 

Lucille, a 31-year-old woman, was sitting near the exposition area with her two daughters. ”On Sundays I’ll go to this library with my kids because I like to read, and there is a big playground area for my daughters” she said. The exposition was presented in a way that kids were compelled to notice it. ”I’ve never seen such an exposition before. I’m Surinamese and remember from my childhood that I could only find coloured dolls or books in specific stores in the Netherlands. I thought it was fascinating to see my 5-year-old daughter clinging to the cupboard filled with dolls and books.”.

Unfortunately, the digitalization of the world prevents kids from authentically familiarising themselves with these terms. Toy stores are closing down, and books are either read digitally or not at all. ”I think in general that the digitalization of the world won’t have a disastrous impact on the overall future perspective of kids’ worlds since parents of this generation are less ignorant than 20 years ago. However, it’s a shame to see educational tools such as toys and books, which are becoming more abundant, aren’t being fully utilized.” Freeman explains.

Luckily, the exposition of Freeman has already impacted a few, as she said, ”Every day the librarian, on the exposition floor, tells me about the feedback and enthusiastic reactions that visitors gave me and that this type of education on representation has made them think about how implementing representing materials could be valuable in affecting their lives and their children’s lives.

Diversity and inclusion can and will be digitalized. Even though it is represented in different formats, such as shows for kids or through social media, it eventually serves the same purpose of exploring representation and educating children about identity. It’s a growing phenomenon that still has a potential to grow. ”This exposition, together with many more of its kind, is meant to create more awareness for representation and inclusivity for those who familiarise themselves with such issues but also for those who’d like to become or are openminded to a change in perspective”.

Black Barbies Exposition