Detroit’s Own American Girl Melody Ellison Debuts at the Charles H. Wright Museum + Free Books at Detroit Public Library! #liftyourvoice

Not every city has their own American Girl Doll. Starting this week, Detroit is one city that can boast that they have their own doll filled with the history and culture of the city. Last night American Girl debuted their newest BeForever doll Melody Ellison. The launch party was at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History downtown Detroit, and coincided with the 34th annual African World Festival.

Meet Melody Ellison – she’s a 9 year old girl living in Detroit in 1964. This is the time of Motown, the Civil Rights Movement and a couple of years before the riots that shook our city. Melody is an African American girl living in the city who loves music, book club and fights for equality. Her first book No Ordinary Sound: A Melody Classic 1 was written by Denise Lewis Patrick, with a bit of autobiographical parts added into the Melody’s story. Melody is available with her own bedroom set, a full wardrobe, an electric piano, and even her own recording studio. The period accurate outfits and hair styles add to her story, help you child relate to a girl based in our community over 40 years ago.

Melody’s launch last night was open to media, doll collectors and local flares like Boston Coolers and local singers. With crafts for kids, and giveaways of Melody – there was something at the event for everyone. The gift shop of the Charles H. Wright Museum even had a selection of Melody dolls, items and books available for purchase before the actual launch date. Melody will be available to order online and purchase in American Girl Store locations on Thursday August 25th.

American Girl will be announced a partnership with the Detroit Public Library System at the event. As part of its partnership, American Girl is providing a donation valued at $175,000 to support the children’s sections at the Detroit Public Library’s 22 branches, which includes a $50,000 monetary donation and a product donation of Melody dolls and books ($125K retail value). Through the book donation, the Detroit Public Library will be able to provide a free Melody book to any area child who wants one through the end of 2016.

To learn more about American Girl or request a free catalogue, call 1-800-845-0005 or visit www.americangirl.com, www.facebook.com/americangirl, orwww.twitter.com/american_girl.

Becky

Becky is Content Creator in metro-Detroit. She is also an interior designer, a former adjunct professor, a gluten free foodie, and world traveler. Week99er is a lifestyle site featuring real life reviews of the latest in entertainment, technology, travel destinations and even set visits. Her Youtube channel gives in depth reviews and travel videos. Contact her at becky@week99er.com

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