‘Black Girl Magic' Toy Drive Collects Gifts Black Kids Can See Themselves In

An Ohio toy drive is seeking dolls and other toys specifically for African-American girls. Franklin County Children Services said many of the kids they serve rarely get gifts that look like them. Organizers of the “Black Girl Magic” toy drive are asking for culturally specific toys and books that black girls can connect to and relate with. Frieda McKarn, 67, is known as the head elf in a Santa workshop of sorts where Franklin County Children Services will give out gifts to 6,000 kids this Christmas. She said toys and gifts tailored for black girls are rarely seen on the shelves. “What gets me choked up is that I see or children struggling to identify and thinking that they’re not worthy and they are,” said McKarn.