Celebrate Black History Month with 100 Years of Black Doll Exhibition
February 23rd through February 28th at Greenbriar Mall
ATLANTA – Experience black history through an amazing collection of dolls dating back to Africa in the late 1800s through present day at the 100 Years of Black Dolls Exhibit on display Monday, February 23 through Saturday, February 28 at Greenbriar Mall.
Daily showings will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.
More than 300 black dolls will be showcased from the collection of Montgomery, Ala.-native and civil rights activist Jamila Jones, who now lives in southwest Atlanta.
Throughout the week there will be guided tours and doll making workshops. There will also be a doll judging contest that is open to the public. Categories will include: oldest doll, most unique doll and best hand-made doll. For more information on the exhibit and a schedule of events call 404-316-5092.
Sponsors of the weeklong exhibition include: State Senator Kasim Reed, State Representative Ralph Long III; State Representative Rashad Taylor, Atlanta City Councilman C.T. Martin and the Rev. Mitzi Bickers.
About Historic Doll Collector Jamila Jones
Born in Montgomery, Ala., Jamila Jones at the age of 9 was a member of the Rosa Parks Youth NAACP group prior to the Montgomery Bus Boycott. She spent many years as an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement.
Jones was 12 when her mother told her she was too old to play with dolls. Now, in her late 50s, Jones is still fascinated by them.
Most of Jones’ dolls depict Africans and African-Americans, and some date to the mid-19th century.
Jones said she has collected black dolls for at least 40 years. Some are dolls she was given as a child, others were collected later.
Jones uses them to teach children about African-American history and culture, and has exhibited them at Atlanta City Hall, the Black Arts Festival, Montgomery Museum and at Atlanta-area recreation centers.
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