Photo by: Mattel/Mattel
The FIRST woman to be a self-made millionaire is being honored in a huge way!
The revolutionary Madam C.J. Walker is being celebrated with a new Barbie doll. She is Mattel’s most recent historical figure to be added to the toy company’s Barbie Signature Inspiring Women line.
The Madam C.J. Walker Barbie was released Wednesday, August 24th.
“As a pioneer in entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and activism, creating the blueprint for the self-made American businesswoman and innovators of the twentieth century, Madam C.J. Walker is an embodiment of our Barbie Inspiring Women series,” Lisa McKnight, the Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and dolls for Mattel.
She continues.
“We’re honored to welcome her into this group of trailblazing women and introduce more kids to her journey of becoming one of the nation’s first widely-successful female founders.”
Walker’s great-great-granddaughter lent her support and helping hand in the creation of the doll.
“It means a lot that now little girls everywhere will get to play with a Madam C.J. Walker doll and learn more about her organically,” A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great-granddaughter shares with Essence.
She adds, “The image and symbolism of this doll will carry Madam Walker’s story out into the world in another way.”
Born Sarah Breedlove on December 23rd, 1867 to enslaved parents, Walker was an African American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist.
She created the famous Madam C. J. Walker Manufacturing Company and used it to create and promote a range of cosmetics and hair care items for black women.
To highlight the entrepreneur’s legacy, a “Madam C.J. Walker’s Wonderful Hair Grower” accessory is included with the doll.
Carlyle Nuera, the doll’s designer stated, “I wanted to capture Walker in a time in her life where she was selling her Wonderful Hair Grower, at public meetings and private home demonstrations – the true spirit of self-made.”
Yesss, come through Barbie!
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