Disney Debuts First Black Princess

Princess Tiana dolls to hit stores this fall

Disney's first African-American princess will soon join the ranks of Snow White, Cinderella and the Little Mermaid, according to a USA Today report.

Princess Tiana, star of upcoming animated musical "The Princess and the Frog," made her debut today at the American International Toy Fair in New York.

The dolls will be sold in stores across the country this fall for $10 to $15 apiece.

Experts say Tiana will bring much-needed diversity to the toy industry, but Disney executives say that they weren't trying to make a social statement, according to USA Today.

The Disney Princesses franchise, which produces a variety of merchandise ranging from Halloween costumes to school supplies, had $4 billion in sales last year.

The character is the first princess introduced by Disney since 1998, when Mulan joined the royal family.  

"The Princess and the Frog," scheduled for release Dec. 25, will feature the voices of John Goodman, Terrence Howard and Oprah Winfrey, with singer-actress Anika Noni Rose as Tiana.

Contact Us