We Filled the Blazer And Felt The Love at the Black Joy Parade!

On Sunday, February 22, The Dollhouse Project rolled into the Black Joy Parade in Oakland with one mission: fill our classic 1972 Chevy Blazer with dolls and give every one of them away.

We lined up early, surrounded by music, dancers, families, and fellow parade participants. By the time we turned onto the main route, thousands of people were cheering along Broadway, and I saw a side of Oakland I’ve never seen before. Or rather I felt it–the hum of thousands of happy people enjoying a beautiful day of celebration. 

Immediately, dolls were flying out of our hands and into the hands of hundreds of kids lining the route. We saw old friends, and made lots of new ones. As we walked we also shared the power of play with grownups, so they can continue the fun at home. 

By the end of the route we handed out more than 200 dolls, and we could have given out 200 more (next year!). The excitement was real, and the impact was visible block after block.

Black Joy Parade 2026 wasn’t just an event for us, it was a reminder that inclusive play matters. Proof that families are eager for representation. We’re excited to be a part of this movement and this is only the beginning.

If you’d like to see the joy for yourself, take a look at the photos below. And if you want to help us bring even more dolls to children at future events, we invite you to join the movement. Join our email list here and follow @dollhouseday on social for what’s next.

These events are only possible with a great team. Major thanks to our ride or die volunteers and gratitude to the partners that made our day a success!
Event production: Royalty Events: https://www.facebook.com/royaltyeventsco/
Classic Car: Nor Cal Chevy Classics :https://www.instagram.com/norcal_chevyclassics
Photography: Jordan Foster https://www.facebook.com/royaltyeventsco/