In celebration of Black History Month, the Queenish Professional Women’s Club and its founder Quinnie Nichols is once again bringing to the community, the Queenish Black Dolls Showcase on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Lancaster Senior Life Center located at 240 Veterans Memorial Parkway in Lancaster.
This Queenish Dolls Experience promotes the theme “Black Is Beautiful” and promises to be a dynamic, educational and interactive family event that celebrates the beauty, culture and unique qualities of the African American personality.
The event will highlight the legacy of civil rights historical icons Rosa Parks and Muhammad Ali with collectible dolls onsite for special awards. Other popular dolls include:
- Kobe Bryant Doll and Bobblehead
- President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama Sculptures
- Muhammad Ali Action Figures
- Jim Crow Law era’s Aunt Jemima
- The Pick-a-ninny and Sambo
- Flip Wilson
- The paper mache and potato sack dolls
- And a variety of dolls from antique and modern
The Queenish Dolls Club has an education and career connection which aims to inspire the youth. This year, African American career professionals will distribute career-oriented dolls to the children.
Featured Speakers
- Shondra M. Quarles featured author children books at the 2018 NAACP and Essence Music Festival
- Nikki Giles – Body Builder
- Roosevelt Nichols – Activist – African American Mobile Museum/ Lancaster MLK Foundation (www.lancastermlk.org)
- Chief Kenneth Johnson – Lancaster Fire Department
- Elijah Granger – Lancaster ISD Superintendent of Schools
- Opal Mauldin Jones – Lancaster City Manager
- Nina Morris – Lancaster City Council
- Angel Lee – Designer of Fusion Dolls
- David Ford – Kingdom Radio
During this event, attendees will see and receive items made by African American business owners:
- Attendees will get to see classic, collectible dolls on display
- Receive African American dolls (while supplies last)
- Make Fairy dolls, enjoy painting, and other activity stations
- Meet doll makers from places throughout the country
- A subscription box with the content of African American history and African American dolls history
- Meet Roosevelt Nichols, the owner, and curator of the Nichols African American History Museum and husband of the Queenish Dolls Showcase founder, Quinnie Nichols, will be onsite with a gallery of portraits and exhibits of African American History from his extensive collection.
- The first 50 people will be able to attend a painting session with the Kinfolk artist to do painting on jeans.
The goal is to promote the elegance and beauty of women and girls of all cultures, especially the African American culture, showcase the historical journey of the black doll, emphasize the importance of education and cultural awareness while having fun! It is the perfect event for parents and their children to enjoy together.
“The Queenish Dolls Experience is a great opportunity to showcase a landmark collection of dolls. With troubling stereotypes circulating, we want to show the beauty and rich heritage in our extensive doll collection so that our children see beautiful reflections of themselves and the countless possibilities before them,” said Quinnie Nichols, the event founder. “This doll experience marries the best of art and history to create a rich experience for all who witness it.”
Last year, about 500 parents and children attended the Queenish Doll Extravaganza and enjoyed a memorable and informative journey of the history of black dolls.
The Queenish Professional Women’s Club is encouraging the community to get your ticket now on Eventbrite for a $5 donation. Visit www.queenishpwc.com for more info.
