Say hello to the District’s three newest residents: Makena Williams, Evette Peeters, and Maritza Ochoa. The trio attend the same middle school—and also all happen to be American Girl dolls. In the company’s 35-year history, there has only been one previous DC-based doll, so their arrival is something of an event.
The World by Us line is being guided by activists and experts, including some with area connections: Katrina Lashley, program coordinator at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum; M. Lucero Ortiz, an attorney who specializes in immigration; and Alexandria teen Naomi Wadler, who memorably spoke at the 2018 March for Our Lives rally.
The Backstories
American Girl dolls often have related books that tell their stories and explore the issues they face. For Makena, that’s grappling with racial injustice. Maritza tackles immigration issues. And Evette—a rare biracial American Girl doll—lives near the Anacostia River and is interested in the environment. “I envisioned Evette’s family as divided along racial lines, which would make Evette unhappy,” says Wyeth. “She loves both of her grandmothers and wants them to get along.”
This article appears in the December 2021 issue of Washingtonian.
Meet DC’s Surprisingly Progressive New American Girl Dolls
The toys address racism, immigration issues, and the environment.
Say hello to the District’s three newest residents: Makena Williams, Evette Peeters, and Maritza Ochoa. The trio attend the same middle school—and also all happen to be American Girl dolls. In the company’s 35-year history, there has only been one previous DC-based doll, so their arrival is something of an event.
The Characters
The three dolls—which are 18 inches high and cost $145 each—are the first in a new collection, World by Us, that wrestles with issues such as racial equality, immigration, and environmentalism, so it makes sense to have them hail from a progressive place like DC. “It’s a city where people are taking action,” says Sharon Dennis Wyeth, a writer who grew up in Washington and was hired to pen Evette’s story.
The Team
The World by Us line is being guided by activists and experts, including some with area connections: Katrina Lashley, program coordinator at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum; M. Lucero Ortiz, an attorney who specializes in immigration; and Alexandria teen Naomi Wadler, who memorably spoke at the 2018 March for Our Lives rally.
The Backstories
American Girl dolls often have related books that tell their stories and explore the issues they face. For Makena, that’s grappling with racial injustice. Maritza tackles immigration issues. And Evette—a rare biracial American Girl doll—lives near the Anacostia River and is interested in the environment. “I envisioned Evette’s family as divided along racial lines, which would make Evette unhappy,” says Wyeth. “She loves both of her grandmothers and wants them to get along.”
This article appears in the December 2021 issue of Washingtonian.
Most Popular in News & Politics
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Eat, Drink, Shop, Do, and Know
Washington DC’s 500 Most Influential People of 2024
What It Felt Like for a Virginia Marching Band to Win Metallica’s Contest
What’s IN and OUT in DC Restaurant Trends for 2024
Washingtonian Magazine
August: Great Festivals & Fairs
View IssueSubscribe
Follow Us on Social
Follow Us on Social
Related
Best of Washington 2024: Where to Eat and Drink
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Do
Best of Washington 2024: Where to Shop
Best of Washington 2024: Things to Know
More from News & Politics
Mubadala Citi Open 2024 Is Putting Mics on Players and Hosting Michelin-Star Chefs
Why Is Babydog in All These Famous Artworks?
Varsity Pickleball Will Come to All Montgomery County High Schools This Fall
Can Any Town in the US Dethrone Arlington as the Nation’s Fittest Place?
I Saw “Twisters” in 4DX. I Didn’t Realize It Was a Comedy.
A Gen-Zer’s Guide to Kamala Harris Memes
MAP: How to Get Around DC During Benjamin Netanyahu’s Visit This Week
Olympics 2024: These DC-Area Athletes Will Compete in Paris