Black Elsa

For my daughter's 4th birthday our entire family went to see Frozen the Musical on Broadway. Our oldest, Derek, acted like he wasn’t excited about our plans, but I knew deep inside he couldn't wait to see Olaf.

I absolutely LOVE themes and dressing up, so of course Charlee went to the musical in full costume (Amazon is my best friend). On the drive down she couldn’t stop smiling. She just couldn’t wait to see her girls Elsa and Anna.

We actually arrived early so we were able to sit and take in the atmosphere before the show started. When the curtain opened Charlee let out an enthusiastic scream and began to clap her hands in delight. She sang along to the songs and her eyes glistened as the actors moved across the stage.

When it came time for intermission Charlee and I headed to the restroom. There was a woman standing in front of us who I could tell wanted to say something to me but was hesitant. She kept looking back at us and smiling. She then turned around one last time and said, "My daughter is playing Elsa today and I was wondering if you could tell that that is a black woman on stage." "I knew it!" I replied. "I am so happy my daughter has the opportunity to see someone on stage who looks like her." She then explained that it was a big deal for Disney to have a Black Elsa and she was so proud of her daughter.

When Charlee and I returned to our seats I watched the second half of the musical with just as much excitement as my four year old. It wasn't only amazing for Charlee to see a Black Elsa but it was amazing for me too. Seeing ourselves in the shows that we watch, the people that teach us, the peers that surround us, the leaders in our communities, and the dolls that we play with is so important. Representation matters.