In history class last week, we learned a bit about the Harlem Renaissance, the time period American Girl's next historical character, Claudie Wells, is rumored to come from. While it wasn't an in-depth explanation (the reconstruction era is where American History I ends), the video my teacher played mentioned that the main areas of creative expression African Americans engaged in during the Harlem Renaissance were visual arts, poetry and music. The remark inspired a theory about Claudie's hobby, so here it is!
Melody Ellison, American Girl's doll from the Civil Rights era, is interested in music and singing, and so is Cecile Rey from 1853, so it is unlikely Claudie would be interested in that. And the rumors are that Girl of the Year 2023 Kavika Sharma is interested in poetry, so Claudie wouldn't be interested in that either.
That only leaves one hobby: visual art.
While there has been an artist American Girl doll before, Saige Copeland, Saige was a modern doll and the Girl of the Year nine years ago, in 2013. Samantha Parkington from 1904 is also interested a bit in art, but that wasn't her main focus and Samantha's hobbies varied greatly. The Harlem Renaissance had a lot of visual art- click here to see some- of varying styles, and art is a major hobby of girls today, so it would make sense for Claudie to be an artist!
What do you think Claudie will be interested in?
I found a wonderful and accessible book for younger collectors:
What was the Harlem Renaissance by Sherri L. Smith
Might be available in a school library.
I have a feeling Claudie might be interested in jazz given the importance of jazz in Harlem at the time.
There were leaks (the leaker was probably sued into oblivion) last year that listed her having a cornet in her collection, so she may be music.
Maryellen is interested in art too! I want Claudie to be a writer, not like a poet, but like a novelist.
I think Cecile was interested in acting more than music. I think if Claudie is interested in music it may not be necessarily singing. Tap dancing really took off in the 1920s, especially amidst the jazz age. Though Molly was into tap dancing, it would still be fitting for Claudie who grew up in the era where it really became popular. She could also play a musical instrument, like the flute or piano. Playing musical instruments became pastimes. I'd also think she could be a novelist, showing an interest in literature. Even more interesting if she became interested in hair styling, as the first beauty salons began opening up (though women mostly went to the barber in that time for…
That would be so cool I’d Claudie is into art! I am an artist myself, and I cant seem to think of any dolls that do visual art other than Saige, which was nearly ten years ago, so it would be cool to have another doll with similar interests!