I thought it would never happen but it finally did, an African-American Disney princess was born! For years I have worked overtime to try to build and protect my daughter’s self-esteem while also buying her the many princess dresses and memorabilia from the princess movies she so desired. The problem, of course, was that she admired these ladies and thought they were so beautiful but none of them looked like her. I took on the task of creating kisha’s kids to help make up for the lack of representation in the media and in various gifts and home decor of people of color. My dream was, and still is, that all girls will be able to see other people looking like them doing things they love to do and doing things they dream of doing. Well Disney finally delivered on the big screen with “The Princess and the Frog” and they delivered BIG! My husband and I took all of our kids to see the movie this weekend. We all loved it! I have to admit, I was a little bit skeptical about how Disney was going to do this movie especially in the opening scene when the rich, blond haired blue-eyed girl sat next to her less economically fortunate friend as a brown-skinned woman read them both a story. I thought, oh no they didn’t?! I think they were just trying to get the Black people all fired up as a bit of a joke to themselves because this movie was truly, in my opinion the best of all the princess movies. There were so many positive messages for everyone to gain from. Tiana taught us about having big dreams and the importance of working hard to achieve them despite the obstacles put in our way. She taught us to put family and love before fame and fortune. She even taught our young girls that you don’t need a prince to come and save you from despair. This movie is my new favorite and I hope you will all go see it. Visit us on Facebook and tell us what you thought of the movie or if you plan on seeing it!

This picture was taken by my mother one afternoon when she was babysitting, she purchased a cute tennis dress with matching hat for her. She dressed brook and sat her on my father’s lap and said “smile for the camera brook” Brooklyn then turned around and smiled ever so sweetly.

The photos of these gorgeous children were all sent to us by a photographer in Virginia. Below is her note to us:

My name is Jyll Turner. I’m a local photographer. I’ve attached a few pictures for your contest. I checked out your site and I LOVE it. I wish you continued success!

Peace and Blessings,
J.

This “happy girl” is one of our latest kisha’s kids Photo Contest entries. She is just precious! Below is the letter her mother submitted along with her photo.

I recently discovered your site through the O magazine feature and am THRILLED! Your product lines are amazing. It is so refreshing to see beautiful, brown-skinned princesses, mermaids, firefighters etc. Thank you so much for your hard work! I can’t imagine how busy you must have been (and still are!) with your children and your business.

I’m submitting a photo for your contest. I wanted to share one of my favorite photos of my little one. Her name is Sophia and in the picture she is 1 year old. She is my happy girl.

Thanks again for all you do,
Stephanie Dahl

This is the photograph of a very special little girl. Her mom submitted this picture to us along with the following letter:
Hi!

As you look at my attached photo, you may think, well, it’s a cute kid, but not a prize-winning photo.

Let me tell you why it is prize-winning to me. You see, this little girl is MY prize, a gift from the universe saying you get to be a mom again. My biological kids are adults, and over the years, I pursued advanced education and enjoyed a great career in family services and special education. Along the way, I became a foster parent, but saying good-bye so often was just too hard.

So, I decided to adopt. Yes, a child in the US foster system gets a good home, but truly, I am the one getting the gift. This photo I am sending is the only one I have of my new daughter. Because I have not met her in person yet! I have this precious photo, and a very thick file detailing all her many hardships. so, I have her in my heart, just not yet physically in my home.

I learned this morning that the paperwork (it has taken 4 months) approving her move is finalizing next week. Soon, I will go to meet her, begin mothering her, and bring her home.

Just yesterday, when my new copy of O Magazine arrived, I found your site. What a blessing this site is. As a white mother of a Black daughter, I am working hard to make sure my home reflects both of us, not just images that are similar to me.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my prize-winner with you!

Warmly, Karen Adams

The mother’s heart is the child’s classroom.–Henry Ward Beecher

We love her pretty face and the biggest blessing that could have come between her and her mother.
God Bless!

Kisha, kids and sweet Ron all braved the crowds and put aside the warnings to stay at bay. We all put up with and endured experiences that, if not for the hope, the history, the energy and the joy, we would have NEVER done. Though our hotel was “close” we walked for miles – Maya with her little legs (except for the times when I took such pity on her and carried her on my back while Travis pushed Jayse in the stroller). Ron and I took turns carrying Nina. She slept, woke up and slept some more by the time we arrived. There were so many streets closed off that we had to walk away from our destination for blocks and blocks before we could turn then turn back around and walk that same distance just to get back to square 1! What was amazing though, was that I never really minded the whole time. I never felt too much like complaining nor did I consider turning back. I actually didn’t want to leave DC. It may have been the best trip we’ve ever taken! Unbelievable considering the cold against our Florida bones and the trials we endured.

We were able to see President Obama and hear him off and on. We were there though and I can’t describe the pride and elation I felt at being right there – knowing what was happening – knowing the importance of it, and trying to absorb it all.

We will never forget this day! Change has come!