Keeping the Culture Alive
Christina Bragg aka Babydoll Gentilly Lace has been a part of the baby doll culture since 2017. She made her debut with the Mahogany Blue Baby Dolls on St. Joseph’s Night that year, diving into the unique world of culture bearing in New Orleans.
"I wanted to keep the Black masking traditions alive,” Bragg said of wanting to become a part of the babydoll culture. “Black Masking Indians are majority male-led. When I saw babydolls and understood this was something specific to women, and Black women in particular, I really wanted to be a part of it. I felt like it was a way to finally belong to the Black masking culture and be included.”
Catch Me Dollin'
She is also very active in the babydoll culture, which extends beyond Mardi Gras Day. She has participated in numerous Super Sundays, Blessing of the Streets, Juneteenth celebrations, Satchmo Summerfests, and NOLA Riverfest in an effort to increase the visibility of this black masking tradition.