Mattel’s Barbie line created an Inspiring Women series of dolls, celebrating distinguished women. Most recently added to the line up is suffragist, activist, and journalist Ida B. Wells.
Born into slavery, Wells was an educator, a journalist, an anti-lynching activist and a NAACP co-founder. Owner of the The Memphis Free Speech and Headlight newspaper, she was a vocal critic of segregated schools. As a result, she exposed racism around the United States, writing about race and politics in the South.
The doll is styled in a deep blue, floor-length dress with a high collar, low-heeled boots, and textured natural hair swept back from her face. Additionally, she comes with a miniature replica of her newspaper.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome pioneering civil rights activist and suffragist Ida B. Wells to the Barbie Inspiring Women line, so kids can learn more about the great strides she made toward equality during her lifetime,” Lisa McKnight, Mattel’s senior vice president and global head of Barbie, said in a statement.
Other dolls in the series include Ella Fitzgerald, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks.
According to Barbie’s Twitter account, the new doll will be released on Jan. 17, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and can be purchased anywhere Barbie is sold.
