First there was the golliwog, then there was black Barbie. Now the creators of a new talking doll say that after 140 years of racism and negative stereotyping, toys for black children have finally come of age with a doll that helps them learn their roots.
"Rooti" dolls claim to be the first fashion dolls to speak languages from countries ranging from Ghana to Zimbabwe. They are designed to help the western children of African parents stay in touch with their African heritage.
"The idea of Rooti dolls is to create that early interest in our children in their own culture, an appreciation of where they come from, and to improve their self-esteem," said Chris Chidi Ngoforo, founder of UK-based Rooti Creations, which makes the dolls.
"My three daughters love dolls that look and dress like them. But [they] couldn't speak a word of Igbo, which is the ethnic group in Nigeria that I come from.
"They were my inspiration to create a doll that could provide a positive image and also teach them our languages."
The dolls, which go on sale this year, are evidence of a resurgence in confidence among African migrants, experts say, and an increasing desire to hold on to their culture.