Ardean Miller stands inside one of the reading rooms at the Eastbank Regional Library, Destrehan in St Charles Parish, surrounded by stacks of children’s toys that have transformed the reading sanctuary into a toy paradise. 

Each toy on display tells a story. From black-colored dolls to the wraps around each toy, they were chosen carefully to illustrate the positive representation of people of color. It was the experience of kids who attended the toy giveaway organized by Mah Melanin and River Parish Toys For Tots left with.

“This year, we not only gave toys but also had a coloring station where kids and parents can sit down together and have color competitions,” Ardean, founder of the first Black-owned gift-wrapping brand, said.“It’s just a really fun, jolly environment.”

One by one, over 150 children who attended this year’s event got to pick from a treasure trove — black-colored dolls,black-colored Santa outfits, brainteasers, Steve Harvey game cards, and all sorts of puzzle game playsets.

Mah Melanin partnered with the River Parish Toy for Tots and retail giants like Sam’s Club, Hallmark, and Lowe to provide free toys to children in the River Parishes—St John the Baptist, St Charles, and St James—during the Christmas season.   

Ardean created her company, Mah Melanin, to offer products that beautifully and accurately represent melanated people. Her line of products includes home décor, apparel, totes, blankets, and more. 

Her most popular product is her Santa gift wrap, which features an African American Santa named Ken, named after several beloved men in her family. She also has a Mrs. Claus character, created in honor of her mother, Doreen Miller, and a Black Elves sack for unique gifts this holiday season. 

“While I was growing up, it was hard to find characters accurately reflecting who we are in the African American community. This is the reason we started Mah Melanin,” Ardean said. “ The idea is to allow the African American community to be able to see themselves on our products because we know representation matters, but accurate representation matters the most.”

The company’s toy distribution is in its fourth year, Josiah Miller said. The company’s founder’s son, Josiah, who is also the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in training, says he has spent the Christmas holidays in the last few years devoted to the toy giveaway tradition.

Over the years, the event that started out with few kids and their families has grown and he hopes the annual event becomes “bigger and better,” he said.

“This is just real sweet, right here. This is our first time here and I’m quite impressed with the black characters on the toys and what they represent,” Jessica Jones said as her 12-year-old daughter and her 7-year-old daughter both held new dolls from the collection of toys.