This post is in partnership with American Girl. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

Meet Melody Ellison

The Newest American Girl BeForever Character

BabyCake and I were equally excited for the long awaited release of the newest American Girl BeForever character, Melody Ellison! Melody’s character is relevant and needed not just for my daughter, but for all girls. Her story covers the civil rights era in Detroit, Michigan at a time when Motown Music was everything. Melody is passionate about singing with her family, and in the children’s choir at her church. Her story is historically accurate and culturally authentic. It’s one of hope, challenges, optimism and change. 

Melody Ellison is beautiful and I like that she actually looks a little like my BabyCake. 

In order to make sure Melody’s character was historically accurate and authentic, a board of advisors was put in place to develop every aspect of her story. From the doll, her clothes, books, and accessories. 

The esteemed team included: 

• The late Horace Julian Bond, chairman emeritus, NAACP Board of Directors and founding member of Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC)
• Gloria House, director and professor emerita, African and African American Studies, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Juanita Moore, President and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit and founding executive director of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis
• Rebecca de Schweinitz, associate professor of history, Brigham Young University, Utah, and author of If We Could Change the World: Young People and America’s Long Struggle for Racial Equality
• Thomas J. Sugrue, professor of history at New York University and author of Sweet Land of Liberty: The Forgotten Struggle for Civil Rights in the North
• JoAnn Watson, native of Detroit, ordained minister, and former executive director of the Detroit NAACP

In celebration of the release of Melody, American Girl stores will be hosting a fun “Summer Block Party” August 26-28th. Girls will get a peak into what Melody’s world was like in 1964 Detroit while enjoying block party food and decor. There will be fun crafts and each girl will go home with a Melody inspired doll tee (while supplies last). Click HERE to locate a store in your area.  

Melody Ellison uses her voice for fairness and justice and her story teaches all girls how to be courageous. Melody will finally be available this weekend via the American Girl site and in American Girl stores. We can’t wait for you to meet her! 

Ashley