Tiana Historic, But For Whom?

MEGAN K. SCOTT

NEW YORK (AP) — Holly Price Alford is over the moon about Disney's first black princess. Her 8-year-old daughter is, too, but not because the princess is black.

"She understands that this is a princess who is African American," said Alford, who is black and lives in Meadowbrook, Va. "But do I think it's a big deal to her? No."

Princess Tiana debuts in "The Princess and the Frog" in New York and Los Angeles on Nov. 25 and nationwide Dec. 11, and grown-ups have certainly been buzzing. But for many little black girls growing up with Malia and Sasha Obama in the White House, the historic nature of Tiana's debut in Disney's mostly white princess lineup doesn't quite seem to register.

Girls of all races have already caught princess fever, and young black girls embrace the white stars of "Hannah Montana," the Jonas Brothers and "High School Musical" without worrying about race.

But some of their moms are making sure their daughters understand the significance of the princess with her brown doe eyes, fuller lips and elegant tiara.