CLEVELAND — Toys can play an important role in how kids see the world. One young but mighty CEO is trying to diversify your children’s toy collection, while changing the narrative for young Black and brown boys at the same time.
At 9 years old, Demetrius Davis Jr. isn’t a typical elementary school student — he’s also a CEO of a doll company.
“Well, I didn’t see many brown dolls that represented or looked like me in the stores,” Davis Jr. said. “So, I was like, ‘Mom, I really want a doll that looks like me.’ She’s like, ‘We can totally make one for other brown boys that feel that same way.’”
So, with the help of his mom, Luciana Gilmore, Davis Jr. started the company Our Brown Boy Joy to make other boys who look like him feel represented.
“Some brown boys think that they’re not important or they shouldn’t love their selves,” Davis Jr. said.
The doll speaks positive affirmations so the kids that play with them realize their value.
“I just want to tell the brown boys that we’re [a] joy. We’re not criminals. We’re nice. We’re smart. We’re creative. We’re cute,” Davis Jr. added.
Davis Jr. said that he is changing the narrative for Black and brown boys with every detail of the doll’s design. The dolls come dressed in a hoodie to pay tribute to Trayvon Martin, who was shot and killed while wearing a sweatshirt.
“We originally dressed them in a cardigan and something smart because my mom wanted the doll to be smart and fun. I was like, ‘Mom, no. I want it what I wear, like in a hoodie.’” Davis Jr. said. “She said that it really touched her heart.”
On the way to deliver an order, Gilmore said that she supported her son’s vision throughout the company’s journey.
“As a little girl growing up, my mother tried really hard to make sure that there was representation for me. I want my son and also other brown and Black boys to have representation. So, it was huge for me to make sure that we had something that is going to be put on the shelves, where boys could walk down the aisles and see themselves,” Gilmore said. “But, the other side of that is it’s not only for brown and Black boys to see themselves, but for everyone else to see them as well.”
So far, the dolls seem to a hit with customers. Davis Jr. said his company is about to hit a record number of sales soon.
“We’re approaching 10,000 [orders],” Davis Jr. said, carrying the delivery into UPS.
With each order, Davis Jr. said that he hopes he can inspire other boys his age to feel empowered as they grow up.
“I want them to know that whatever you believe, you could achieve and never give up,” Davis Jr. said.
If you’re interested in purchasing the plush doll, you can visit their website.
