Operation Sankofa: ‘I want one just like me!’, an initiative founded by Ama Gueye in 2009, will host the 8th Black Dolls Expo on Saturday, August 13th 2016 (1:30pm – 5.30pm) at The Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Town Hall Approach Road, Tottenham Green, London N15 4RX.
The Expo is an informative, fun, inspirational and thought provoking event reflecting this year’s theme: ‘Why Black Dolls?’ – our topic for ‘The Big Debate’. We will have a live link-up with Samantha Knowles (New York, USA) to put questions to her about what inspired her powerful documentary film entitled, “Why Do You Have Black Dolls?” (WDYHBD).
Black Dolls Expo 2016
All visitors are welcome and encouraged to arrive early (we only have four hours!) to take advantage of face-painting; raffle; genuine networking; purchasing Black Dolls, prints, books, cards, posters, clothing and accessories. The programme includes opportunities for both children and adults to make their own dolls, share stories about dolls plus experience other creative expressions of how Black Dolls may be used for learning.
This 2016 event upholds a true commitment to uplifting African and Caribbean cultural heritage, identity and self-image, endorsing African and Caribbean pride and boosting children's self-confidence. It is bringing critique and insight about the value and importance of culturally specific play and, learning resources in the British commercial sector – highlighting the increasing entrepreneurial and creative talents within the African / Black Communities. In the seven years that Operation Sankofa has been organising the Black Dolls Expo, it is encouraging to note that we have attracted the attention of several talented doll-makers and collectors who are able to showcase their creations, as well as a rise in the number of Black Doll sellers!
This year’s event will also feature the launch of a delightful jewellery box by ‘Nia Ballerina’ – a company set up by Sharon McBean, a concerned parent. She was inspired by her “beautiful daughter who just wanted to dance”. She had been unable to locate a musical box with a Black ballerina figurine, so she decided to create her own.
A truly unique opportunity for family and friends to share, celebrate, and promote Black Dolls alongside a host of international Black doll creators, manufacturers, collectors and retailers. We are very excited about hosting folk from France, Nigeria, and the UK - including Poupees des Tropiques, AfroToys, Anaisarts, Dolls by VeronaC, Xambino Dolls, Family Constellation Dolls and Queens of Africa Dolls! Well-wishers – Ntombenhle Dolls (South Africa), Curiositeej: Dolls & Collectibles (USA) and ImagiNation Afrika (Senegal) endorse the event.
Tickets are available on the day - £7 for adults and £3.00 for children /young people aged 5 to 13 years; under 5’s enter FREE. All proceeds go towards promotion and research to raise the profile of Black Dolls.