Toronto, Ontario, Canada (PRWEB) February 16, 2006
Prominent members of the black community everywhere are offering their recommendations on how to honor and learn more about Black History Month. International doll maker, Younique Gemz™, is celebrating with its inaugural line of multi-racial, multi-cultural dolls. The dolls made their debut this week at the American International TOY FAIR® in New York City.
“Celebrating Black History Month has no borders,” said Debbie Goodland, president and founder of Younique Gemz™. “We surveyed children and quickly discovered what was missing in today’s doll. The children said they wanted ‘a doll that looks like me,’ one that they could better relate to. That’s why we developed this beautiful line of multi-racial dolls that better reflect the growing number of children sharing two or more distinct racial backgrounds — including Black, Hispanic, Asian, and Caucasian.”
“Each doll comes complete with jewelry accessories including earrings, a necklace and a bracelet with a gem name,” said Goodland. The dolls will be officially released and available beginning June 2006.
Complete clothing lines for the dolls are currently being designed by a New York City fashion designer and should also be ready for release by June.
Also becoming available will be a Younique Gemz™ Scrapbook designed to compliment the dolls. The purpose of the scrapbook is to give children and parents the opportunity to share their personal heritage, helping to build a strong sense of self within the child. The front of the scrapbook will have a special section for mapping out a family history. The entire scrapbook will be created with all people groups in mind and will display the many unique aspects of various cultures, traditions, music and foods.
Toronto began celebrating Black History Month in the 1950s, however formal recognition did not happen until the Ontario Black History Society petitioned the City of Toronto in 1978. Later, former Liberal MP Jean Augustine proposed making the Black History Month celebration nationwide — legislation that was unanimously adopted.
“The Younique Gemz dolls vary in skin tones, with realistically painted eyes in different colors and shapes, and facial characteristics that are distinct to two or more people groups,” said Goodland. “To allow for the broadest visual interpretation of the dolls as multi-ethnic individuals and to allow children to identify with the dolls on a personal level, the dolls are not labeled by ethnicity, but with gem names for easy reference.” The names for the inaugural line of nine dolls are Amber, Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz and Turquoise.
About YNU Group Inc. / Younique Gemz™
YNU Group Inc. was established in 2005 to create anti-bias products for a growing, multi-racial, multi-ethnic and diverse youth market. Designed to cultivate respect and celebrate the similarities and differences of all people groups, YNU Group products include dolls, dollhouses and furniture, toys, books, crafts, scrapbooks, electronic games, CDs and DVDs, and websites.
Editors: For media interviews please contact Aida Mayo or George McQuade at MAYO Communications, 818-340-5300 or 818-618-9229. For orders or more information about Younique Dolls call 866-611-GEMZ or 866-330-DOLL.
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