We know Black women use everything from yoga to painting to walks through nature to relieve stress. But what you may not know is that there is a subculture of Black women who have turned to building with LEGO bricks to unplug, blow off steam and connect with others.
If you’re a parent of kids who love LEGO, you may see them as just annoying bricks that end up in every corner of your house and hurt like hell when you step on one in your bare feet (sorry, I digress). But a quick search for #blackgirlsdolego on TikTok will give you a healthy collection of clips of Black women proudly showing off their favorite builds with BossMan Dlow’s track “Mr. Pot Scraper” in the background.
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“It’s so calming. It just does something for my nerves. I’ll sit there at the end of the day and do them for hours,” builder Jazmine Towe told NBC News. “I feel happy when I finish them. It’s also kind of bittersweet because I love the process of putting it together. When I get to the end, I’m like, ‘I can’t wait to get to the next set!’”
In addition to being a relaxing creative release, LEGO building taps into your mathematical and engineering skills as well.
“When kids are building with blocks and Legos, they’re using spatial reasoning skills,” says Amy Shelton, Director of Research at the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.
The folks at LEGO are happy to welcome Black women builders into their community.
“We are thrilled to see the engagement by Black women using LEGO bricks as a creative outlet to celebrate the passions they have,” said Alero Dawn Akuya, LEGO’s Vice President of Brand Development to NBC News. “The Black community is rich with creativity, inspiration, and positivity, and we are humbled that the community is recognizing our products to express themselves and their personal stories!”
If you’re thinking about getting in on the trend, check out a few of our favorite Black female LEGO enthusiasts on TikTok.
uleesuh01
If you want to see a crazy collection of LEGO builds, you have to check out @uleesuh01. This clip shows her building floating shelves to show off her work.
uleesuh01
She has so many great pieces. But if we had to choose a favorite, this LEGO Icons Corvette is definitely up there.
Donielle Mikel
One look at @doniellemikel’s TikTok account and you’ll see just how much she loves building with LEGO.
herdreadsrok
We love @herdreadsrok’s display of her favorite LEGO builds, which include a piano, a typewriter, a lighthouse and more.
TifphanyNicol
For @tifphanynicol, LEGO is therapy. and she’s got a beautiful collection of builds to prove it.
Tee Allen Spencer
TikToker @teeandebony does not play when it comes to her builds, which she displays beautifully around her home. But our favorite part of her clip was her collection of LEGO Jordans.
brooks.creative
When it comes to LEGO building, brooks.creative certainly lives up to her name. Her collection of builds includes sneakers, musical instruments, a Pikachu and our personal favorite – her collection of LEGO succulents.
QueenNef_444
QueenNef_444's creative collection includes a LEGO city complete with a beach and a ferris wheel.
Taj_Nicole
Taj_Nicole creates gorgeous LEGO floral arrangements with her bricks. We love her orchids that look just like the real thing.
IamKierraW
If you like cars, you have to check out iamkierraw’s collection of four-wheel builds.
air_b
Bria, who goes by @air_b on TikTok, is seen here showing off her Disneyland castle, which she says she built with her niece on New Year’s Eve.
Shaundie_B
TikToker @shaundieb calls herself “A millennial gurl in love with Disney LEGO.” And she shows off her creative builds proudly on her page.
beingleecy
TikTok user @beingleecy has so many amazing LEGO builds, but we have a special place in our hearts for her LEGO Thanos glove!
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