Here's how Black representation in the Barbie world has evolved over the years

Yoonji HanJul 28, 2023, 21:15 IST

The Christie, Black Barbie, Beyoncé, and Barbie Basics Model No. 4 dolls.Mattel, Inc.

The first Black Barbie debuted in 1979, two decades after Mattel introduced the original Barbie.
Before then, several Black American dolls were added to the Barbie franchise, like 'colored Francie' and Christie.

1967: 'Colored Francie'

Colored Francie doll.Mattel, Inc.

1968: Christie

Christie doll.Mattel, Inc.

1969: Julia

Julia doll.Mattel, Inc.

1975: Cara

Quick Curl Deluxe Cara.Mattel, Inc.

1980: Black Barbie

The first-ever Black Barbie.Mattel, Inc.

1991: Shani & Friends

Shani & Friends dolls.Fandom

1994: Asha

Asha dolls.Rubyreds Worldofdolls/YouTube

1994: Kenyan Barbie

Kenyan Barbie.Mattel, Inc.

1996: Nikki

Nikki and Barbie in a viral 2020 video confronting racism.Barbie/YouTube

1996: Ghanaian Barbie

Ghanaian Barbie.Mattel, Inc.

1997: Tangerine Twist Barbie

Tangerine Twist Barbie.Courtesy of We-R-Toys

1997: Ruby Radiance Barbie

Ruby Radiance Barbie.Mattel, Inc.

1999: Fantasy Goddess of Africa Barbie

Fantasy Goddess of Africa.Mattel, Inc.

1999: Brandy Barbie

Brandy Barbie dolls.Online USA/Getty Images

2000: Celebration Barbie

African American Celebration Barbie.Mattel, Inc.

2002: Mystery Squad's Shawnee

Shawnee from the Mystery Squad.Mattel, Inc.

2005: Destiny's Child

Destiny's Child Barbie dolls.Mattel, Inc.

2009: So In Style Dolls

Grace and Courtney S.I.S. dolls.Courtesy of Black Barbie Guide

2010: Barbie Basics dolls

Barbie Basics doll.Mattel, Inc.

2021: Barbie "Brooklyn" Roberts

Barbie "Brooklyn" Roberts.Mattel, Inc.

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