*Shona Rhimes is developing a new documentary for Netflix about Mattel’s original Black Barbie doll.
As Urban Hollywood 411 reports, the protect is titled “Black Barbie: A Documentary,” and will spotlight the doll that debuted in 1980, 31 years after the original Barbie. Directed by Lagueria Davis, the doc will also feature Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby, the three Black women who advocated for the toy while working at Mattel.
“Telling Black Barbie’s story has been such a personal journey and it warms my heart to celebrate the legacy of my aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby in our film,” Davis said in a statement. “We couldn’t have asked for better collaborators than Shondaland and Netflix to bring this story to the world.”
The documentary is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers as part of their overall deal with Netflix.
A release date has not yet been announced.
“Mattel released the first Black and Hispanic Barbie dolls, challenging the long-held perception that the doll represented a singular standard of beauty. The first Black Barbie doll wasn’t introduced in 1980, but in 1968”
The History of Barbie https://t.co/NauNhRCf1H pic.twitter.com/BB81oEz2Ap
— Black Girl Nerds (@BlackGirlNerds) June 12, 2023
Meanwhile, we reported earlier this year that Mattel announced the launch of the Bessie Coleman Inspiring Women doll, recognizing the first Black and Native American female pilot with a doll made in her likeness.
To ensure Bessie’s legacy is truly represented, Barbie teamed up with Gigi Coleman, Bessie’s great-niece and President of The Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars, to celebrate this Inspiring Women Doll.
“As someone who has dedicated much of my life to encouraging the youth of all backgrounds to explore careers in aviation, my family and I commend Barbie for expanding my great aunt’s legacy in such an overwhelming tribute, with a Bessie Coleman Inspiring Women doll. Keeping Bessie’s legacy alive has always been a labor of love for my family, and we are proud to recognize her determination and accomplishments for Black women in aviation and continue to share my great aunt’s pioneering spirit with fans of all ages,” said Gigi Coleman.
“We hope through this doll more people will discover Bessie’s story and be inspired. Stories have power, I grew up on anecdotes of my great-aunt’s courage and look forward to sharing them in my upcoming book.”
The company also rolled out an Ida B. Wells Barbie doll as part of its ongoing “Inspiring Women” series — see below.
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