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In My Opinion

The 2008 Black Doll Collectors convention
wrapped up two weeks ago. With the help of
volunteers from several organizations, family
and friends this event exceeded the
expectations of attendees, vendors and the
general public.
From around the world collectors of Black dolls
expressed the significance of a convention of
this caliber.
In spite of language difficulties attendees
Rosine Mondor from Paris, France and GuGu
Mtombenji from South Africa attended to
network and participate in the educational
workshops and dynamic dialogues. Several
local dignitaries as well as the media in
attendance were left speechless at the art form..

The 2008 Black Doll Collectors Convention in a
word was amazing. As the organizer of the event,
some would say that my opinion is biased,
however, In the next several weeks we will be
posting articles by attendees who had been
asked prior to the convention to write an article
for several doll magazines as well as this site.

May 30, 31 & June 1, 2008
Mansfield Holiday Inn
31 Hampshire Street
Mansfield, Massachusetts 02048

  Convention Coverage
                 &
        Wrap-up

2008 Black Doll Collectors Convention

Harambee'
(celebrating the strength in coming together)

Doll E. Daze Project

DALLSS Inc.org

Circle of Women

History of Black Cloth Dolls

The Cake was donated to the
convention by Pastry Chefs
Christian & Leonardo Repa of
Dessert Works in Norwood, Ma

                      Harambee'
  2009 Black Doll Collectors Convention
                   May 22-May 25
              Memorial Day Weekend
Hotel and convention Registration Watch for details

Who would have thought that Convention withdrawal would linger
for several weeks. I became involved in the convention early on
agreeing to take on the job as the registrar. However, as fate would
have it, I was given the opportunity to pursue my Bachelors degree
and found myself unaccessible. Debbie picked up the pieces,fulfilling
the responsibilities and duties.
With classes ended for the summer, I took the Thursday off from work
to jump in wherever needed at the convention. I was given the task of
escorting a tour group to Martha's Vineyard for preconvention
activities . We met in the lobby at 7am, Cape Cod is located 45
minutes away from the Holiday Inn and we needed to catch the 9am
ferry .
Always inviting , Martha's Vineyard lived up to her reputation. The
weather was great. Convention attendees were in awe of the beauty,
the people and it's history. The two and half hour tour just wasn't
enough time to take in all of the islands spot. Convention attendees
gambled on going to the inkwell despite my objections and needless to
say the ferry to the mainland was missed.
We finally arrived back at the hotel around 6:45, just enough time for
me to check -in and take the next group of visitors to the local casino
Twin River Plaza in Lincoln, Rhode Island. This was a good time for
all even though we left our money at the casino.
Arriving back at the hotel, we were ready to hit the sack in time to
have a rested night for the opening activities of the convention. The
hotel however was still bustling with the arrival of conventioneers
and vendors.

Chantell Albert

On Thursday evening, I arrived at the home of my
good friend Felicia Walker, to assist her with
moving exhibits to the Holiday Inn where the
convention was being held. I wasn't quite sure
what to expect , I knew she had been working hard
to put on this show to raise money for her museum.
I watched her for over a year stay focused and
continue to help others, that is my reason for
volunteering. The pieces I moved was the doll
house exhibit. I didn't pay attention to what was
held inside , they were large awkward and some
were extremely heavy. As I set each piece down
and the artist removed the plastic wrapping I
peered inside for my first look....I was
flabbergasted. Never before had I ever seen such
detail. I couldn't begin to imagine how someone
could create such realistic pieces. The artist also
shared with me the story of how she was working
through pain it was unbelievable because what she
had created was not only beauty but it was
inspiring.
K. Washington

" Just wanted to say I really enjoyed the show. I had
a marvelous time and everyone was super special.
Hope to see you again. Please take care and eagerly
await the next show."

Phoebea Queens-Addison
Marketplace Vendor

"Already one week, and I always have a very good
memory of this convention of dolls. It was three days full
of emotions and educations. I hope to see again you a
day."

Rosine Mondor
Convention Attendee Paris France

Hi Debbie,

         Hope you are TRYING to relax! On behalf of my sister,
niece, sorority sisters, friends and our Pearlettes Girls
Group I want to thank you for allowing us to be a part of
the first Black Doll Convention. From the dolls, to the
workshops, to the artists…the magic is still in the air.
Thank you also for our souvenir Big Beautiful Doll.; we will
look at her and be reminded of being a part of history and
the celebration of our beautiful heritage. Energy and
enthusiasm are your trademarks! Be blessed
                                       Jacqueline Jones
                     Admissions Minority Outreach Coordinator
                     Adjunct Professor of English
                     Massasoit Community College

Debbie, these were taken by a very good
friend of mine. They came out absolutely
beautiful. These are the photos that I
would love to have taken by my camera.
Joyce