Shindana Toys for 1976

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Shindana (a Swahili word roughly meaning "to compete") toys was formed in 1968 after "Operation Bootstrap" was created. Their goal was to improve black self image by producing ethnically correct toys. According to their literature, they did this to promote understanding and love.

I've always wanted to do a feature about Shindana on Plaidstallions as their actions truly changed the face of toys. Before Shindana children of color often had to make due with crudely repainted toys if they could find any at all. Any look at a toy catalog in the early 1970s will see the dramatic impact Shindana had on the marketplace.

1976 was a hot year for the company, they were running with their successful baby dolls, had hot celebrities in the form of Jimmy Walker and OJ Simpson and they created IMO one of the most awesome action dolls ever, SLADE!



























Visit the 1976 Shindana Toys Catalog Here.


More from 1976

For more Fashion Mockery and 70's toy love visit us at Plaid Stallions.com


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[megojim]

dyno-mite!
I had the Flip Wilson/Geraldine talking plush figure . . . "the devil made me do it"

[HardyGirl]

The only Shindana toy I had as a kid was a talking Rodney Allen Rippy doll. That thing was my constant companion. When I was 13, I finally gave him to my boyfriend's little brother, who at 4 years old, no doubt trashed it. Now I have another Rodney and a Flip Wilson/Geraldine doll (both no longer talk, but are in wonderful condition otherwise). Maybe someday I'll get them repaired.

I never knew about Slade, man that dude looked cool! (can you say SHAFT?) And I think I would have used Wanda for his female counterpart, or damsel in distress.

[mego73]

The OJ figure would be awesome to have for obvious reasons but I really love Slade too, never saw him until this thread.

[starsky]

i've always wanted the dr. j figure

[Mikey]

The head sculpt on that JJ Fun Pal is actually very good.

It's a shame a nice sculpt like that was wasted on such a stupid body.

[thunderbolt]

I remember the JJ Walker doll, but never saw Slade before, he's pretty cool.

[Wee67]

Did that Slade outfit ever make it into production? I had no idea. Those Slade boxes look pretty mock-up.

I remember only one person I knew had a Slade doll and, to be honest, I thought I was much better off with my WGSH's. Now I'd love to have a boxed version.

[palitoy]

Did that Slade outfit ever make it into production? I had no idea. Those Slade boxes look pretty mock-up.

Yep, it totally did. Shindana announced Slade with a beard a year later but I've never seen one of those.

[Sowth]

I gots one of those!

I'd never heard of Shindana before I bought this figure, they must have made it all the way to retail in Australia too!

[palitoy]

They made it to Canada too, when I was about 9 I found a Flip Wilson doll (next to a Forbidden Zone Trap) in the clearance section of a toy store. I had to ask my mother who he was...

[Remco Monster]

I have a boxed Slade. Super groovy toy, but with a terrible body. I have never seen the Super Agent set for sale or in a collection.

[toys2cool]

i had that JJ before

[EmergencyIan]

I had wanted that Dr. J figure at one time, as well. I've never seen any of Shindana's toys in person, but they look great in pictures.


- Ian