With a hand firmly planted on an ample hip, her stern face held high, Odessa Mae Walker has a powerful presence, even if she is only 12 inches high. Pride and strength were what artist Michael Chandler and his wife, Noreen, who has a degree in African-American history, had in mind when they created the ceramic figurine about a year ago.
With turbaned head, Odessa cuts an imposing figure. But Chandler says he has had negative feedback about the figurine from other African-Americans who believe Odessa perpetuates the mammy stereotype.
”It`s an image that they are not knowledgeable about,” he says. ”They don`t know the history of the mammy doll, or that she represents strong black women. They only have the negative image.”
Noreen, who came up with the idea for Odessa, believes that the doll conveys an important message: ”You can`t run away from your past; you have to embrace it. It`s through strong women that African-Americans have survived.” Odessa was created in the image of Noreen`s own female role models from her Arkansas childhood.
The Chandlers` next project? Says Noreen: ”Odessa needs a husband.”
The figurines are on sale at the Southside Community Arts Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave., starting around $45. Custom orders also are available. For information, call the center at 312-373-1026.
