Black History Month 

American Girl character Addy Walker was born in 1855 in North Carolina.  

She was forced to work as a slave on a tobacco plantation with her family. Addy’s real name is Aduke Walker, which means “much loved.” She worked as a house servant until she escaped with her mother in 1864. Unfortunately, Addy was unaware of her birthday; she chose April 9th because it was when the Civil War ended. Addy and her mother settled in Philadelphia.

Addy was my first doll. I received her on my 9th birthday from my mother.  

Her story reminds me of some of the challenges I have had in my life. Like Addy, some people told my parents what I could and couldn’t do. Because Addy was a slave, she was told what she could do and what she couldn’t do. When I attended my first preschool, my parents were told I couldn’t graduate or speak.

Like Addy, my parents and I did not accept the limitations placed on us because of the challenges we faced in life. Addy escaped from slavery, and I graduated and learned how to speak. Now, you can’t get me to shut up. Like my mom’s favorite quote says, “ The things that are easy for you were once hard.”  

We wanted to share some parts of Addy’s story to commemorate Black History Month every February.  It is a time to recognize the accomplishments of Black Americans and their contributions to American society and culture. 

Visit our boutique, where you can find some pieces of Addy’s collection and learn more about her incredible story.

Blog written by Sarah, Imani, Camille, and volunteer coach Keith