Sterling Ashby gave up a big, fat paycheck to follow a dream. An engineer and attorney, Ashby was working in the energy sector of a large DC law firm when one Christmas while out shopping for a gift he realized that toys could be used for play and to spark conversations about “something of substance.”

His best friend’s son opened the gift he purchased of a famous scientist and asked, “Who is that?” That simple question started Ashby, 39, on the path to what he affectionately calls the “toy project.” He has since downsized from a larger, fast-paced firm, to a smaller firm that allows him to practice law and continue his dream from his home in DC.

In 2005, Ashby launched the HIA Toy Company: History in Action. Though Ashby does not have any children of his own yet, he is very aware of the challenges that parents and teachers face trying to find ways to motivate children to learn. He believes these fascinating toys will help spark a love of history in children. Currently, there are three figures in the collection: Bessie Coleman, the fearless flying girl; Benjamin Banneker, the stargazer; and Matthew Alexander Henson, the trailblazer. Each toy comes with a biography, teaching guide and themes that can be taught to the child to think about while playing. For example, the Henson toy promotes these themes:

• Believe in and follow your dreams, no matter how long it takes to achieve.
• Do not be afraid to be the first to accomplish a goal.
• Life holds infinite possibilities for those willing to imagine and pursue them.
• Ordinary people can live super ordinary lives if they challenge themselves and strive to achieve their goals.
• Overcoming adversity, in particular, poverty, racism and discrimination, can be done.

Now, these are not just any run-of-the-mill, sit-on-the-bookshelf toys. Ashby says the key to action toys is “points of articulation” – the hinges from which the toy gains movement. Most action figures have about five points of articulation, but HIA toys have 18. This means that your children can spend hours putting the toys into all kinds of poses. They are also museum quality and highly detailed, yet durable for play because they are crafted with softer plastic.

In the testimonial section of his website, one parent wrote: “I expected the line of lesser-known African-American heroes to be like any other action figures I'd seen in the toy stores, but I was wrong! I was pleasantly surprised and amazed by the detail given to the flexibility of the figures, their accessories and the attention given to the historical stories on each of the boxes! Children can have so many different adventures with them! HIA Toys are the complete package: fun, intrigue and education. Well done!”

Ashby said that his training as an attorney was put to good use during the journey of producing toys. He initially thought it would be easy. “I thought I’d find the distributors and just sell the toys,” said Ashby. But he found the business to be a bit more complex and political as he negotiated with distributors, toy store owners and creative types. Ashby says most toy makers these days are not taking any creative chances, and most ideas flow from the big movie model. “Toy makers are being told what’s in from the top-down.”

Distribution and placement has also been somewhat of a challenge. Despite the high quality and obvious educational value, as well as winning an award for his packaging, it has been difficult getting local and chain toy stores to carry his product. But Ashby believes he has created a product that is valued. Most of his sales are through the internet and during speaking engagements. At a local charter school PTA meeting talk on How to Instill a Love of History in Your Children, he says that almost every parent purchased at least two toys. In addition, almost every museum he’s approached has said yes, including the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History & Culture, the Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum in Baltimore, and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute.

Ashby has also created speaking topics for schools and other organizations to introduce HIA toys. Some of the topics include: Lessons for Success from Three American Heroes: Achieving In Face of Great Obstacles. This is a discussion on the importance of historical perspective in developing a path to success with a specific emphasis on the lives of African-Americans: Matthew Henson, Bessie Coleman and Benjamin Banneker.

Ashby says he is so excited about his work. “I talked to a group of black fathers about the importance of instilling black history in their children – identity, knowing how you are, and road maps to where you want to be. History helps kids find their way. Kids are blank slates, and they love stories. Young women and men we have to find different ways to reach out to them.”

For more information about HIA Toys, visit www.hiatoys.com.

Monica Z. Utsey is a wife, homeschooling mom, freelance writer and president of the Southern DC Chapter of Mocha Moms Inc.