She's Almost Here!

My 3-year-old daughter is at that stage where princesses and Barbie’s are the greatest!

In fact, this past Christmas, when asked what she wanted, her reply was simple: “A princess dress, a tiara and a wand, oh and some lip gloss,” she would say as she beamed from ear to ear.

Just last week, she was on the verge of a meltdown when the thought of not getting that “extra special Princess Belle toothpaste” crossed her mind. “But Mommy, I really, really, really need it. I just have to have it because it’s princess toothpaste!” she cried.

Yes, she’s wafted toward the innocence fairytale land … BIG TIME!

I have only one reservation with this newfound admiration for all things princess and Barbie: the lack of a strong African American presence.

Peruse any toy store aisle and you’ll find loads of Caucasian princesses – Snow White, Cinderella, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, Belle and Ariel – with a sprinkle of color in Pocahantas, Mulan and Jasmine from Disney’s Aladdin.

Barbie is no different – you’ll a find a few African American Barbie dolls, yet the variety just isn’t there. And often times when it is, it comes with a steeper price tag.

Nonetheless, I give in. My daughter’s room is complete with tons of the Latina Dora the Explorer and African American Barbie Dolls – with a sprinkle of Caucasian Barbie dolls. ☺

Don’t get my wrong, I’m all for diversity. I embrace diversity and share an appreciation for other races and cultures with my daughter. My husband and I pride ourselves on being culturally diverse and sensitive people. But there’s nothing like appreciating, identifying with and having a love for your own.

I want my daughter to walk down a toy store aisle, see a Black princess and say, “Mommy, she’s pretty,” just as she did a few weeks ago when she saw a White Barbie doll.

Well, it won’t be long before that can be a reality.

This past Monday, Disney unveiled Princess Tiana, the company’s first African American princess.

That’s right, Princess Tiana is almost here!!! There have been rumors and talk about Tiana for years. And truthfully, she’s been in the making, but Monday’s New York unveiling made it official.

Princess Tiana’s story is set to hit the big screen later this year. The animated musical “The Princess and the Frog,” will tell her story and feature Anika Noni Rose, Tony-award winner and “Dreamgirls” actress, as the voice of Tiana and Oprah Winfrey as the voice of Tiana’s mother.

Princess Tiana merchandise is set to emerge in retail stores nationwide by fall.

Lord knows I can’t wait; I’m pumped about Princess Tiana’s pending arrival. Seeing as how I don’t see an end to my daughter’s “all things princess stage” any time soon, knowing that there’s a princess with whom she can identify makes her love for the fairytale characters that much sweeter.