Toy Company Celebrates Black History Month Through a New Collection Of African-American Action Figures

History In Action Toys helps address needs of African-American children through introductory toy series honoring America's lesser-known heroes.

Washington, D.C. -- February 1, 2007 -- Just in time to celebrate Black History Month, History In Action Toys (HIA Toys) introduces the first in a series of limited-edition action figures based on real-life American heroes. To help children understand that America's history includes courageous individuals from all backgrounds, the first set in the series pays tribute to three lesser-known African-American heroes: the daring and determined female aviator Bessie Coleman, the self-taught mathematician and astronomer Benjamin Banneker and Matthew Henson, the resourceful explorer. These heroes were strategically selected as their unique stories shed light on the diversity in American history and to help African-American children learn about their ancestors in a creative way.

"Black History Month is a time to celebrate the accomplishments and advancements made among African-Americans individually and collectively, throughout American history," said HIA Toys Founder Sterling T. Ashby. "Through this special collection, I hope parents see the value in sharing these heroes' unique stories with their children and that teachers incorporate them into classroom lessons."

Founded in 2004, HIA Toys primary mission is to encourage children to learn about the history of America and its lesser-known heroes and to inspire each child to imagine the endless possibilities for their own lives.

"From my own shopping experiences, I know it can be difficult to find quality toys that educate as well as provide entertainment for children," said Ashby. "With the current situation in this country, HIA Toys hopes to inspire the next generation to seek out their own adventures and not be discouraged about where hard work and perseverance can take them in life. The lives and stories behind these action figures are prime examples of how dreams can be achieved.

Resourceful and Fun Action Figures
Designed by award-winning sculptors in the U.S. and Asia, these lightweight action figures stand six-inches tall and are precisely crafted with moveable parts -- allowing the figures to act out many adventures. HIA Toys designed the toys to be culturally sensitive to help capture the detail and features of the time period. Each figure comes complete with accessories specific to their individual stories:

• Bessie Coleman, the first African-American woman to earn a pilot's license in the United States
• Benjamin Banneker, a well-respected and famous mathematician, astronomer and surveyor, whose Farmer's Almanac in 1795 became the first scientific book published by an African-American
• Matthew Henson, one of the world's greatest explorers and the first man ever to reach the North Pole

About History In Action Toys
Headquartered in Washington, DC, History in Action Toys (HIA Toys) is in the business of creating toys that inspire children to learn about history and themselves. A former attorney at one of Washington D.C.'s premiere law firms, Sterling T. Ashby founded HIA Toys in 2004 to pursue his dream of offering toys that inspired creative play and learning in children. It is HIA Toys' vision to fill a void in the marketplace -- creating limited-edition, collectors-quality action figures that awaken children's imaginations while they learn about heroes from our American past. Visit www.hiatoys.com for additional information regarding the company and its products.