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Black Star Toys

I want to start my company, Black Star Toys, because I want to create a space for black joy. In a world that is often hostile to black people, I want to create a company that would celebrate blackness in all its forms. I was inspired by the work of Frederick Douglass and Mos Def, who both used their platforms to uplift black people and give them a sense of pride. I wanted to create something that would do the same. Black Star Toys is more than just a toy company. It’s a celebration of blackness. It’s a place where black joy is celebrated. It’s a place where black kids can see themselves reflected in the toys they play with. And it’s a place where black parents can feel good about buying toys for their kids.. The name Black Star Toys is also a celebration of blackness. The word “black” is often seen as negative, but I see it as positive. I see black as beautiful, powerful, and inspiring. And that’s what I want my company to be about.

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About this idea

The idea behind Black Star Toys is to provide high quality, unique hand-painted and sculpted resin figures inspired by African American culture and meant to inspire creativity and joy in African American boys and girls. We envision creating a line of 7 inch resin (plastic) toys which will be available both completely painted, and as blank canvases complete with child safe paints, and polymer clay which children can use to customize their toys. This would give children the opportunity to create the hero they want to be in the comfort of their own homes. I also want to maintain child engagement with our toys once they are purchased. Here I plan to create and provide accessories in the form of toy headdresses, and/or masks that symbolize the “spirit” of African-American historical figures ie. Ella Baker, James Baldwin, Malcolm X etc. As an educator I also know the value of modeling a behavior or skill for students. To this end I envision creating a professionally filmed video series that accompanies our toy line and includes helpful lessons on painting, a “Great Black Artist” guest appearances and discussions.