Black Women That Have Barbies Made After Them

Ella Fitzgerald’s legacy was honored by Barbie with a doll for their Inspiring Women series! Fitzgerald is one of the most loved jazz singers in history with 13 Grammy awards, a National Medal of Arts from President Reagan, and performances in some of the most coveted venues in the world. 

Misty Copeland made history as the first Black woman to be principal of the American Ballet Theatre. The doll’s costume was inspired by Copeland’s first role after becoming principal as a Firebird. Her doll was unveiled in 2016.

Issa Rae plays President Barbie in the new Barbie movie released in the summer of 2023. A Barbie doll was created in her likeness before the movie premiered!

In 202, Tina Turner was honored with a Barbie doll look-alike! The doll is wearing her outfit from her “What’s Love Got to Do With It” music video in honor of the video’s 40th anniversary. Oh, and check out the great hair.

A doll was created after Ida B. Wells for the Barbie Inspiring Women series in 2022. Ida B. Wells is the co-founder of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs.

Naomi Osaka’s doll was created for the Role Model series in 2021! In 2018, she was the first Japanese player to win a major title in a singles match! She also uses her platform to speak about racial injustice and mental health.

In 2019, Rosa Parks’ doll was created for the Inspiring Women series as a prominent figure in the civil rights movement!

Actress Yara Shahidi was honored with a Barbie doll for her effort with pushing young people to register to vote in presidential and local elections. Her doll is wearing the same ‘Vote’ shirt she sported at a We Vote Next Summit.

In 2022, actress and producer Laverne Cox had a Barbie created in order to honor her as the first transgender actress to star in a major television role!

Bessie Coleman was the first African American and Native American to obtain a pilot’s license in the United States! A Barbie was created in her likeness in 2023.

The first self-made female Black millionaire was entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker! She was honored with a doll in 2022.

Ibtihaj Muhammad was the first Muslim American to wear a hijab to the Olympics in 2016. A doll was created wearing a fencing outfit and hijab in 2017!

In 2015, Zendaya rocked faux locs on the Oscars red carpet. Her hair was made fun of by “Fashion Police” Giuliana Rancic who said it might smell like “patchouli or weed”. Zendaya posted a statement about Rancic’s stereotyping comment, defending the style. A Barbie doll with locs and the gown she wore to the Oscars was sold the same year.

Author, teacher, and activist Maya Angelou was honored with a doll for Barbie’s Inspiring Women series in 2021.

Designer Bob Mackie created this iconic Diana Ross Barbie doll wearing this beautiful white gown with rhinestone detailing.

Katherine Johnson- NASA mathematician and physicist Katherine Johnson had the crucial task of calculating the trajectory of the first American-manned trip to space. The movie Hidden Figures follows Johnson’s life while working for NASA.

Her doll was created for the Inspiring Women series.

Gabby Douglas was the first Black female gymnast to win an individual gold medal for an all-around event. A doll was created in her likeness in the “Shero” collection.