



But one thing that stood out during that era was us: Black girls. During the 90s, Black girls were depicted in such a positive light. There was a sense of pride, happiness, and lightheartedness when we saw other Black girls on our TV sets. There were so many products, songs, and characters a young African-American girl could relate to.



It's been a while since we've seen so much Black Girl Excellence in mainstream pop culture, so let’s take a brief journey with me back down memory lane as I dig up all the gems that brought me so much joy as a kid. Maybe they did for you too!



1. Just for Me Relaxer Kit



"I want style, body and shine. A look that's totally all mine. Hair so soft, silky, and free. I want something just for me!"

I know it's practically an abomination nowadays to even mention the word "perm" or "relaxer." I may be pro-natural today, but back in the 1990s, the jingle from the Just For Me commercial made me psyched to see the next six weeks to roll by, so I could get more relaxer slapped on my tender scalp. I loved seeing young Black girls like myself, skipping and dancing about with their gorgeous hair. To see them rockin' the big hair scrunchies, side ponytails, and bouncy curls that I longed for in my youthful glory!

2. Addy Walker from the American Girl Doll Series

Growing up in the 1990s was awesome. Television was great, the toys were legendary, and the various theme songs and jingles were constantly embedded into my brain.But one thing that stood out during that era was us: Black girls. During the 90s, Black girls were depicted in such a positive light. There was a sense of pride, happiness, and lightheartedness when we saw other Black girls on our TV sets. There were so many products, songs, and characters a young African-American girl could relate to.It's been a while since we've seen so much Black Girl Excellence in mainstream pop culture, so let’s take a brief journey with me back down memory lane as I dig up all the gems that brought me so much joy as a kid. Maybe they did for you too!I know it's practically an abomination nowadays to even mention the word "perm" or "relaxer." I may be pro-natural today, but back in the 1990s, the jingle from the Just For Me commercial made me psyched to see the next six weeks to roll by, so I could get more relaxer slapped on my tender scalp. I loved seeing young Black girls like myself, skipping and dancing about with their gorgeous hair. To see them rockin' the big hair scrunchies, side ponytails, and bouncy curls that I longed for in my youthful glory!









American Girl doll collection in 1993. The Addy doll came with traditional outfits of that time—bonnets, dresses, baskets, and other accessories—that brought her story to life. One thing that especially stood out about her was her long kinky black hair, which I felt showed young Black girls how beautiful we truly are.



As an avid young reader, I collected all the books about Addy's bravery, adventures, challenges, and friendships. And I can't forget the little snippets of history facts at the end of each book. They made learning fun. When I read about Addy and her life, I felt like she was my friend, like I was going through her struggles and triumphs with her. Even to this day, I still think Addy is definitely a winner!

3. The Kenya Dolls

The most unique thing about the Kenya doll is that she came in a variety of skin tones. She also had a baby sister, Kiana. I never owned a Kiana doll, but I did have two Kenya's during my childhood. What really made so special in my eyes was the amazing Hair Kit that came with her—Conditioner that smelled like heaven, rollers, brush, beads, and jewels. I just knew I was a little hair stylist, giving her beaded braids. (Beads and braids were the thing in the 90s!) I even used some of the Kenya products on my own hair. Addy, who represented the Civil War Era, in 1864 was the first African-American character introduced to thedoll collection in 1993. The Addy doll came with traditional outfits of that time—bonnets, dresses, baskets, and other accessories—that brought her story to life. One thing that especially stood out about her was her long kinky black hair, which I felt showed young Black girls how beautiful we truly are.As an avid young reader, I collected all the books about Addy's bravery, adventures, challenges, and friendships. And I can't forget the little snippets of history facts at the end of each book. They made learning fun. When I read about Addy and her life, I felt like she was my friend, like I was going through her struggles and triumphs with her. Even to this day, I still think Addy is definitely a winner!The most unique thing about the Kenya doll is that she came in a variety of skin tones. She also had a baby sister, Kiana. I never owned a Kiana doll, but I did have two Kenya's during my childhood. What really made so special in my eyes was the amazing Hair Kit that came with her—Conditioner that smelled like heaven, rollers, brush, beads, and jewels. I just knew I was a little hair stylist, giving her beaded braids. (Beads and braids were the thing in the 90s!) I even used some of the Kenya products on my own hair.