When I first started dakari Moon, I was on a mission to create a world where Black girls could see themselves in ways that the world often overlooked. The beauty, the brilliance, and the magic of Black girls needed to be celebrated—boldly, unapologetically, and joyfully. But I didn’t want it to just be about seeing ourselves in stories. I wanted to build a space where imagination and creativity could flourish—where Black girls could step into worlds of limitless possibility and feel empowered by their own magic.
That’s how the Black Girl Imaginarium was born.
This space was never just about products or coloring books—it was about creating a place that allowed Black girls to tap into their divine creativity, celebrate their cultural richness, and express their full selves without restraint. It’s a sanctuary of magic where every product, every story, and every image speaks to the heart of who we are as Black women and girls.
But building the Black Girl Imaginarium didn’t happen overnight. It took heart, intention, and a deep desire to create something that was more than just art—it was a movement. Here’s why it matters.
A Space to See Ourselves—And Be Seen
For too long, Black girls have been excluded from narratives that celebrate imagination. Growing up, I didn’t see characters that looked like me. There were no heroes who shared my skin tone or celebrated my culture. And if they did exist, they were usually side characters, supporting roles, or tokens.
But what if, instead of being sidelined, we were at the center of the story? What if Black girls could live in worlds where we were the leaders, the dreamers, and the visionaries? Where our magic was not just acknowledged, but celebrated in ways that felt authentic and affirming?
That’s exactly what I wanted to create with dakari Moon and the Black Girl Imaginarium: a space where Black girls could see themselves not as “other,” but as the center of it all. Every page of a coloring book, every character, every product, and every story is designed to help them tap into the magic they were born with.
Imagination Is Power: Reclaiming Joy through Creativity
The Black Girl Imaginarium is more than just a space to dream—it’s a space to reclaim joy and reconnect with the playful, creative energy that is often stripped away from us in the demands of the world. For many Black women and girls, life’s responsibilities and struggles often push our inner child aside. But creativity is one of the most powerful ways to reconnect with our authentic selves.
In the Imaginarium, I wanted to create a world where joy wasn’t just a fleeting moment—it was a sacred practice. Whether it’s coloring, storytelling, or simply sitting in silence with a piece of art, the Black Girl Imaginarium offers a space where creativity flows freely, where women and girls can be unapologetically themselves. It’s about slowing down, making room for the things that nourish us, and trusting in the power of our imagination.
The Power of Representation
Representation is everything. It’s more than just seeing your face in a book or on a product—it’s about feeling like your story matters. In the Black Girl Imaginarium, the focus is on Black women and girls in their full glory, not just as “strong” figures but as joyful, creative, and complex individuals who can shape the world around them.
When Black girls see themselves in worlds that are full of possibility and magic, it sends a message that they are worthy of that space, that they are worthy of the spotlight, that their imaginations are just as powerful as anyone else’s. And when Black women are featured in art and storytelling, it sends the message that we belong—not just in spaces of survival, but in spaces of magic, dreaming, and limitless potential.
Creating Spaces of Legacy
The Black Girl Imaginarium isn’t just about what we see today—it’s about building legacy for future generations. It’s about creating a foundation where our daughters, nieces, and young girls can see themselves as the heroes of their own stories. It’s about planting seeds of creativity, self-love, and empowerment that will grow for years to come.
By building an Imaginarium that centers Black girls, I hope to create a space where they can feel the power of their legacy and the magic that has been passed down through generations. It’s about teaching them that their dreams matter, that their voices matter, and that their creativity is limitless.
