PATTY-JO DOLL"The Most Important Black Doll In American History." In mid-20th century America, most black dolls represented stereotypes, like Aunt Jemima, "Pickaninny," and raggedy Black boys and girls.

 

Jackie Ormes dedicated her work to change the perception of Black people. She transformed the precocious Patty-Jo cartoon character into the first truly aspirational and fashionable Black doll in American history. For the first time, a Black doll was on the market with all the play features children desired: playable hair, extensive accessories, fine clothing (including seasonal coats, nightgowns, skirts, dresses, formals, shoes, hats).

 

Historic Patty-Jo DollProduced between late 1947 and late 1949 by the Terri Lee doll company, Patty-Jo was 14.5", one of the first dolls made of plastic, marked patent-pending on her back, and had rooted hair pulled into two low ponytails with red ribbons. Original late 1940s Patty-Jo dolls are now highly collectible.