The Babydolls
An African American tradition that first emerged out of the brothels and dance halls of New Orleans in the early 20th century. It is said that the Babydoll tradition began as a result of a competition between an uptown gang and a downtown group of women working in Black Storyville.
It is a Mardi Gras tradition that came out of the origins of segregation in the Jim Crow era. At a time of severe racial segregation, many black masking groups were discriminated against and kept from participating in the mainstream Mardi Gras Processions. Groups like the Babydolls, The Zulu Club, and the Mardi Gras Indians began to create their own independent parades. They created a space through their Art, claiming their own Mardi Gras which gave them a voice to express the heartbreaks and frustrations felt from being so brutally dismissed in society.
In those days it was considered socially unacceptable and dangerous for women to parade in costume, however, the first baby dolls were incredibly streetwise and pushed against many boundaries breaking the social norm. They dressed in satin outfits and wore garters sometimes stuffed with money. They danced and strutted through the streets, singing out in songs with messages of sass, strength, and dignity. They smoked cigars and often carried whips for protection. The Babydoll culture is an expression of feminism, it's about celebrating Black women's beauty and celebrating the beauty of Black women at all ages.
The Babydolls created a revolutionary space in society to be seen and to have a voice, they empowered each other and expressed their true selves through the Baby Doll culture. It is a culture that is incredibly significant to the makeup of New Orleans and to Mardi Gras itself. Still to this day, the Babydolls groups of New Orleans hold such an influential space. They are actively engaged in community efforts and extremely committed to upholding this unique and beautiful New Orleans tradition.
"For me, it is a celebration of the true self. Femininity, Boldness, Sisterhood, community and don't forget Sass. Lot's of Sass. The tradition frees me to be myself’’. Anita Matamoros Oubre - Mahogany Blue Baby dolls
