Did you know Actress Marla Gibbs lived and worked in Detroit?
"When she was 16, her father died and Gibbs was sent to live with her mother and stepfather in Detroit where she attended Northern High School for a semester during her junior year..."
Best known as Florence, the maid in the television series, the Jeffersons she also starred in 227.
After moving back to Detroit, Ms. Gibbs worked as a switch board operator at the Gotham Hotel at John R and Orchestra Place and at Detroit Street Railways (DSR).
Her first acting job came on the LOCAL PEOPLES COURT TV SHOW.
She lived at 4003 Clements.
"The Marla Gibbs Shindana doll was made in 1978. The doll was made by Shindana Toys, a cooperative toy company in South Central Los Angeles, California that was in business from 1968 to 1983.
Shindana Toys created a wide range of Black dolls, action figures, plushies, and board and card games. The company's name comes from the Swahili word shindana, which means "compete". Shindana Toys was a community rejuvenation and Black empowerment effort that began after the Watts riots. The company's proceeds supported businesses in the Watts area."
Sandra Epps, Founder of the Detroit Doll Show, is an Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund Awardee to assist her with the development of the Butterfly Garden and Black Doll Museum which is a recent approved Create-A-Project by the Detroit Land Bank Authority.
The Selfie-Stations that will appear at the 2023 Detroit Doll Show is our first fundraiser to help with the building process for the project. The goal is to breakground in 2024.
We will see you at the 2023 Detroit Show on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm at Marygrove Conservancy, 8245 W McNichols, Detroit MI 48221.
Sandra Epps does has a gofundme if you would like to support or share link on your social media pages. Thank you for your support:https://gofund.me/ba3cb2a4
Photo of Sandra Epps on September 23, 2023 at D Farm for the Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund announcement of Awardees.
We are so excited to have American Girl as our sponsor for the 2023 Detroit Doll Show
Admission is $5 and group tickets are $40 and can be purchased at www.detroitdoll.bigcartel.com
Saturday, November 18, 2023
11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Marygrove Conservancy
8425 West McNichols
Detroit, MI 48221
Program: Tribute to the Queen Mother, Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson, Self - Stations, Legacy Award, Christmas Diorama, Doll Look-ALike Group Photo, Panel Discussion - "The Negative Impact of Colorism in our Community!", Most Adorable Reborn Contest, Raffles, Arts & Crafts, African Dance and Drumming. And come shop with amazing Doll Artist, Doll Manufactures, Doll Stylists, Artists and Authors.
Are you a small business owner and want exposure for your business? We have affordable sponsorship for you to provide your business card or flyer in our swag bags. Email us today at detroitdollshow@gmail.com
Detroit Doll Show founder is determined to keep it going
Even when spending time in her beloved butterfly garden at her northwest Detroit home, dolls are still very much on the mind of Sandra Epps, founder of the Detroit Doll Show. After a two-year absence, the event, which Epps calls "a celebration of history, culture, self-love and diversity" will return Saturday, Nov. 12 at the Marygrove Conservancy.
Scott Talley, Detroit Free Press
If Sandra Epps had it her way, it would be spring all the time — because spring is when she most enjoys the butterfly garden in front of her home on Pinehurst Street near the Northwest Activities Center.
However, on Tuesday, the native Detroiter was not talking about spring butterflies, or even Michigan autumns, which she also likes. Instead, from her home, she told a story about a winter day in Detroit nearly a decade ago that continues to guide her path today.
“I was driving a Ford F-150 and the snow covered up my tires,” Epps said, describing the state of her truck on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013, as it was parked on the street near the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Midtown.
On that day, the National Weather Service reported that up to 8 inches of snow had fallen in parts of Wayne County. But of even far greater magnitude than the weather to much of the world, at that moment in time, were the events taking place across the globe that celebrated the life of former South African President and apartheid fighter Nelson Mandela following his death on Dec. 5 of that year. Still, Epps, the pride of La Salle Gardens, Thirkell Elementary-Middle School and Northwestern High School (Class of 1989), would soon discover that the event she was presenting that afternoon at the Wright Museum — the second annual Detroit Doll Show — had special meaning to people here, as well.
“The weather was so bad that they started shutting stuff down in the city. But folks showed up (for the Doll Show), they still showed up,” Epps recalled, choking up with tears in her eyes as she spoke. “My show was being held downstairs in classrooms at the museum and there was a tribute to Nelson Mandela upstairs. But more people (about 100) showed up for my show. We had people who had caught the bus to come; a couple of people said they had been in accidents or spinouts, and they still made it. There was something magical about that show, and right then I knew it was something that I couldn’t give up.”
Images from the 2013 Detroit Doll Show during the snow storm. On Dec. 14, 2013, the National Weather Service reported that up to 8 inches of snow had fallen in parts of Wayne County, but that was not enough to stop about 100 people from showing up to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American for what was then the second annual Detroit Doll Show. After a two-year absence due to COVID, the event, billed as "the largest Black doll show in the nation" returns Nov. 12 at the Marygrove Conservancy.PROVIDED BY SANDRA EPPS
True to her words, Epps has not given up on the event, which she bills as “the largest Black doll show in the nation.” And after going on hiatus for two years (2020 and 2021) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Detroit Doll Show will make its return Nov. 12 at the Marygrove Conservancy. Epps is hoping for nice weather that day, but more than that, she said she wants to recapture the “magic” that brought people out to the Wright Museum in 2013 on a level that goes deeper than material value of the hundreds of dolls and related items that she expects to be on display.
“Dolls are not just playthings, but they’re also teaching tools,” explained Epps. She cited Mattel’s recently released Madam C.J. Walker doll that honors the African American trailblazer, who is often called the “first self-made millionaire businesswoman in the United States,” as an example of the type of inspirational pieces that will be featured at her event. “My mission has been to help women and girls love themselves. And before COVID, we were touching more than just women and girls, because we had fathers bringing their daughters and grandfathers bringing granddaughters. And we’ve also seen more than just Black families, so it’s truly doll play and learning going on for all ages and all people.”
But before the play and learning takes place on that Saturday in November, Epps says she has much work to do.
“When COVID hit in 2020, I was devastated. I thought life was over. And with the two-year absence, it almost feels like I’m doing this for the first time,” Epps said, describing her sleepless nights and not feeling her best while attending to details that will go unseen by most attendees. “Challenges help us grow, but during the process it hurts like crap.”
Images from the 2013 Detroit Doll Show during the snow storm. On Dec. 14, 2013, the National Weather Service reported that up to 8 inches of snow had fallen in parts of Wayne County, but that was not enough to stop about 100 people from showing up to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American for what was then the second annual Detroit Doll Show. After a two-year absence due to COVID, the event, billed as "the largest Black doll show in the nation" returns Nov. 12 at the Marygrove Conservancy.PROVIDED BY SANDRA EPPS
Epps’ word choice is telling because a significant chunk of her life has been about challenges and literally feeling like ‘crap.” Even before she completed her middle school years at Thirkell, Epps, who at one time took pride in being able to outrun all of the girls and boys in her neighborhood, had to deal with barely being able to move any part of her body at all. What at first was a mystery ailment was finally diagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks its own tissues, causing widespread inflammation and tissue damage in the affected organs.
“The best way I can describe lupus is that it’s like your body is fighting against itself,” Epps said. And she went on to say that the fight caused the once fleet runner to suddenly gain weight (up to about 200 pounds, while standing 4 feet, 11 inches), as she lost her hair and self-esteem in the process. Extended hospital stays and heavy pill intakes also followed, until finally Epps began to take control of her fight when she made up her mind to “go in hard to heal myself and get off everything” in her late 20s. Her determination was in large part fueled by her desire to become the first in her family to graduate from college, which she did in 2001, earning a bachelor’s in fine arts from Wayne State University.
“That sheer determination to graduate from college gave me something to hold on to instead of what the doctors were telling me,” said Epps, who points to reading affirmations and positive books, along with learning comedy, as game-changers in restoring her health. “It was a lonely journey, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise because I discovered what I wanted to do with my life; it’s all about empowerment.
“My hair was my pride and joy — it went down past my shoulders — and when I lost it, I thought I was different and I didn’t want to be around my friends anymore and that’s a feeling that I never wanted my nieces or any other girls to feel. At the show we’re going to have things like a mobile Blackmuseum and there will be Black artists — all positive representations of people of color — and I want girls to see and embrace themselves exactly the way they are through those images.”
Images from the 2013 Detroit Doll Show during the snow storm. On Dec. 14, 2013, the National Weather Service reported that up to 8 inches of snow had fallen in parts of Wayne County, but that was not enough to stop about 100 people from showing up to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American for what was then the second annual Detroit Doll Show. After a two-year absence due to COVID, the event, billed as "the largest Black doll show in the nation" returns Nov. 12 at the Marygrove Conservancy.PROVIDED BY SANDRA EPPS
The Nov. 12 Detroit Doll Show will be the ninth time Epps has presented the event, which is just four more than the number of inspirational books targeting girls and women that have been written, and in some cases even illustrated, by the multi-talented entrepreneur, who also is the secretary of her Pinehurst Block Club. However, there is a smaller number that Epps focuses on as she prepares for her upcoming show.
“If God spared my life three times from death (during my battle with lupus), I knew I had to do something with my life,” Epps said from home Wednesday. “Nov. 12 will be about representation. There will be dolls representing virtually all states of life, including physical handicaps. Growing up, my first Black doll was Judy and she was my girl. My sister (Cathy) gave her a perm and my mom (Earnestine) made her a couple of outfits. And Judy gave me strength because when I was going through changes, Judy was always there. If girls at my show can find themselves a Judy like I did to help them through their life’s journey, they will be blessed.”
For more information: Please visit www.facebook.com/DetroitDollShow
Scott Talley is a native Detroiter, a proud product of Detroit Public Schools and lifelong lover of Detroit culture in all of its diverse forms. In his second tour with the Free Press, which he grew up reading as a child, he is excited and humbled to cover the city’s neighborhoods and the many interesting people who define its various communities. Contact him at: stalley@freepress.com or follow him on Twitter @STalleyfreep. Read more of Scott's stories at www.freep.com/mosaic/detroit-is/.
The Detroit Doll Shows will return with new and previous vendors on Saturday, November 12, 2022 at Marygrove Conservancy, 8425 W. McNichols, Detroit MI 48221 from 11am to 6pm.
We have Doll: Makers, Stylists and Manufacturers, Authors, Food Trucks... Be prepared to see new and returning vendors...😁
*Arts & Crafts
*Games
*Workshops
*Best Dressed REBORN
*African Head Wrap
*African Drumming
*Live Music (DJ)
*Doll Look A-Like Contest
*Legacy Award Presentation
*Fun Photos
*Food Trucks
*Black History 101 Mobile Museum
*Movie Ticket giveaway to Bel Air Luxury Cinema for Black Panther.
Join us on February 10th & 16th 2022 for Dollightful Conversations with Carol Lloyd the Creator of Brown Girls and Pat Green founder of Pat Doodles on Instagram at 7:00 p.m.
@DetroitDollShow
Stay tuned for date and new venue in regards the return
Join us as we celebrate TEN years of inception of the Detroit Doll Show on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd., Detroit, MI 48235 from 11am to 6pm. To purchase early bird tickets visit www.2021detroitdollshow.eventbrite.com
If you want to participate as a vendor and you are a doll maker, create doll furniture or doll attire please send a short bio and photos of your work to DetroitDollShow@gmail.com.
As of July 2019 Sandra Epps the Founder of the Detroit Doll Show decided to move forward with her dream of expanding to a permanent location to celebrate black culture with black dolls. The Butterflyy Garden and Black Doll Museum will be breaking ground in 2021. We are seeking support by way of our gofundme page at https://gf.me/u/yk3uf8
The Butterflyy Garden and Black Doll Museum will provide fresh flowers, a few fruits and vegetable and a whimsical landscape of fairy decor with butterfly seating, pond and gazebo. The indoor shipping containers will house the permanent and rotating doll exhibit with doll making workshops, art classes and other health related courses. The space will be available for rental for bridal and baby showers, weddings and birthday parties.
Our state of the art outdoor and indoor facility will be a Detroit Landmark for celebrating black culture and a safe habitat for butterflies.
Stay tuned for various fundraiser that include merchandise and ParTEAS.
Due to COVID the 9th Annual Detroit Doll Show has been postponed till Saturday, November 13, 2021 from 11 am to 6 pm at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers, Detroit MI 48235. For more information visit www.2021detroitdollshow.eventbrite.com
Hosting the Detroit Doll Show allows me the freedom to be a kid again without judgement and I LOVE IT! Many adult doll collectors feel the same who bring their Reborn Dolls to the Detroit Doll Show. Self expression is what we advocate because it's good for your health.
I missed out on some fun moments during my childhood due to being diagnosed with lupus as a girl, but I am grateful that I have the opportunity to play and entertain with no worry of the Side EYE 😒 of critism at the Detroit Doll Show. Adults can celebrate the kid within and children can be children.😄
Side note the feature of the Detroit Doll Show on Black Enterprise Magazine website was shared 104k time that was published on November 4, 2019. We are so GRATEFUL for this unexpected media blessings.
This year's Detroit Doll Show was a great turn out. Check out comments from vendors and participants.
If you are a Doll Artist and want to participate with our upcoming 2020 Detroit Doll Show send your bio and photos of your dolls to detroitdollshow@gmail.com
We have a power packed program scheduled for the 2019 Detroit Doll Show set to take place on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at the Northwest Activities Center, 18100 Meyers Rd. Detroit MI 48235
Program: Doll look alike contest, spoken word artist, head wrap workshop, arts and crafts, Building Better Men presentation by Odis Bellinger just for males, Mini Playhouse workshop by Power Org Math, Urban Princess and Paper Doll workshops by Doll Artist LaJeana Kennedy, DJ (MUSIC), Girl Power Corner, Desserts from Local Bakeries, Shop with Vendors around the Globe, Black Memorabilia, Doll Makers, Authors, Photo Booth by B Elegant and Strike a Pose, Giant Games and more...
Diahann Carroll died at the age of 84 on October 4, 2019 in her Los Angeles home after a long bout with cancer. Ms. Carroll an actress and singer who was featured in a ground breaking sitcom as Julia starting in 1968. Julia who TV series depicting the first "non-stereotypical" African American female character. She was a widowed registered nurse with a son. The sitcom ran from 1969 to 1971. Diahann Carroll won a Golden Globe for her role as Julia.
Julia Barbie Doll was one of the first celebrity Barbie Dolls that was introduced in 1969. It was based on Ms. Carroll's character Julia Baker.
The Julia Doll had a Barbie Body and the Christie Dolls head. The talking Christie Doll was introduced in 1968. She was the first African American Barbie size doll.
There were two Julia Dolls created and one doll talked. The brown/black hair Julia Doll hair turned reddish over the years due to oxidation.
Mattel issued a reproduction in 2009 as part of Barbie's 50th Anniversary.
Raquel the Founder of The Mad Hatter's Tea Party said "be your own Hero."
Words from Sandra Epps the Founder of the Detroit Doll Show:
What life has taught me...So as you grow through life and things get tough as they will because they are Teachable Opportunities that may sting pretty bad, you are going to need to make new adjustments and the only true source that's gonna save you is YOU! BE YOUR OWN super HERO!
You never know who is watching you as you move through life working to be the best you through turbulent times. And your work is just to be a blessing to someone else because you understand what it feels like to be down and out from a tramatic experience. This makes the award even sweeter.
When I read the words on the award this moved me the most: "Admires and idealized for courage, outstanding achievements and noble qualities with skills representing the power to create, nurture, accomplish and even exceed goals in a dignified manner conquering challenges along the way."
Thank You Raquel Hardy for the recognition and the support along my journey of empowering women and girls.
April 27, 2019 Sandra Epps, the Founder and the Host of the Detroit Doll Show was invited to speak to teenage girls with the Healthy Hair Matters Foundation. Ms. Epps spoke about her work as an author, artist and Founder of the largest doll show of it's kind.
Words from the Founder "These brilliant teenage girls had great questions. My talk included my personal career journey and the importance of the Detroit Doll Show and having Dolls that represent US.
Of course I brought props: Brains and Beauty Malia, Super Beauty, Dolls By MonTQ Sassy and Classy (That's what I named my doll😄), my two children's books ("Imani Has the Most Exciting Dream" and "Girl Power Discover the Princess Within") that I wrote; the Queen Pillow Sample from Sandy's Land Pillow Paint Parties and the Detroit Doll shirt.
Before exiting someone asked did I have my face paint. YES! Of course I had my supplies because I had just left work before speaking to them. These young ladies received some wearable art from me as well.
