Black doll giveaway helps brighten self-esteem of some Capital Region kids

An Albany sorority and church have held a holiday toy giveaway for four years, intended to put smiles on the faces of hundreds of Capital Region kids. However, they also hope their efforts are strengthening the self-esteem for Black children.

Archiah Phillips, with the Omicron Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, says the emotions she feels when she sees the children’s faces at these toy giveaways are incredible.

For the fourth year in a row, the sorority and the Metropolitan New Testament Mission Baptist Church has hosted a holiday toy giveaway. They collect all types of toys, but one of the popular toys requested by parents are Black dolls.

The sorority and its many volunteers tripled the number of Black dolls they gave away this year – giving more than 300 dolls out. The goal is to boost self-esteem in Black and brown kids.
Phillips is hoping next year’s Black doll toy giveaway is bigger and better – hoping even more kids who need it can see their beauty and power represented in their toys.

Hear her advice for young girls as they dream about what to be when they grow up by watching the video of Faith King’s story.