The latest Black historical figure to join the ranks of female icons who have been morphed into Barbie Dolls is Civil Rights activist Ida B. Wells.
The late investigative journalist – who was also one of the original founders of the NAACP – dedicated her career to reporting on the racial injustices of African American people that occurred in the South during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Her devotion to combating racism and sexism by challenging the status quo over her lifetime made her an obvious addition to Mattel's "Inspiring Women" collection [1], an initiative launched by the toymaker to help inspire young girls through representation and close what it refers to as the "Dream Gap [2]." The series, which spotlights historical and present-day role models who paved the way for generations of girls, has paid tribute to nearly a dozen figures so far, most recently inducting Helen Keller and Eleanor Roosevelt into Barbie fame.
Among them, Ida will mark the fifth Black figure to be included. Before her, Rosa Parks, Ella Fitzgerald, and Maya Angelou have all gotten the Barbie doll treatment. Katherine Johnson also received one, though hers is no longer listed on Mattel's site [3].
The new Ida doll will be available nationwide at Amazon, Walmart, and Target on Jan. 17, but read on to learn more about all the Black "Inspiring Women" Barbies included so far.
Ida B. Wells Barbie
The Ida B. Wells doll shows her in the middle of a newsroom draped in a blue dress holding a Memphis Free Speech newspaper.
Ida B. Wells Barbie Doll [4] ($35) is available for pre-order and will go on sale on Jan. 17.
Maya Angelou Barbie
The doll inspired by famed writer Dr. Maya Angelou comes with a miniature replica of her prolific autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and features a traditional dress and head wrap and a face custom-scultped to her likeness.
Maya Angelou Barbie Doll [5] ($35)
Ella Fitzgerald Barbie
The doll for Ella Fitzgerald, one of the most beloved jazz singers in the world, features a curvy body type and a stage-ready look – complete with a microphone.
Ella Fitzgerald Barbie Doll [6] ($31)
Rosa Parks Barbie
When Rosa Parks refused an order to give up her seat to a white passenger and move to the back of the bus, her act of defiance became the catalyst for change. This doll honours the woman hailed as "the mother of the modern Civil Rights movement."
Rosa Parks Barbie Doll [7] ($28, originally $35)
Katherine Johnson Barbie
One of the three mathematicians depicted in the hit movie Hidden Figures, NASA employee Katherine Johnson, was also honoured with her own Barbie doll.
Katherine Johnson Barbie Doll [8] ($70)