June 24th 2024.
A new documentary has arrived, shining a light on the creation and influence of the iconic Black Barbie. Released by Netflix on the historic Juneteenth holiday, this film, aptly titled "Black Barbie," delves into the representation and impact of this beloved doll on diversity.
The mastermind behind this powerful documentary is director Lagueria Davis, who has a personal connection to the subject matter. As she explains, her Aunt Beulah was a huge fan of Black Barbie, sparking her curiosity and leading her to uncover the untold story of the doll's origins. It all began with Beulah Mitchell, who worked at the famous Barbie manufacturer, Mattel, in 1955. Mitchell's groundbreaking idea for a Black Barbie was initially met with skepticism by the company's creator, Ruth Handler, who simply replied with a vague "we'll see." But Mitchell's persistence paid off, and two decades later, the first-ever Black Barbie was born.
This groundbreaking documentary not only features the story of Beulah Mitchell, but also sheds light on the experiences of other Black employees at Mattel. In addition, it includes interviews with influential figures such as Shonda Rhimes, whose production company Shondaland produced the film, as well as ballet dancer Misty Copeland and Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the impact that Black Barbie had on the world.
When the first Black Barbie was unveiled in 1980, it was a momentous occasion for doll-lovers everywhere. This doll was not just a mere representation, but a true celebration of Black identity. Designed by the talented Kitty Black Perkins, this Barbie featured a stunning Afro, a vibrant red dress, and gold jewelry. Her facial features, including a wider nose and fuller lips, were also a true reflection of Black beauty.
In the documentary, Black Perkins explains her inspiration for the design, stating, "When I designed this doll, there was a need for the little Black girl to have something she could play with that looked like her. I wanted her to reflect the total look of a Black woman." And her creation certainly achieved its purpose, as Black Barbie quickly became a beloved and cherished toy for young Black girls all over the world.
Producer Aaliyah Williams, who worked on the documentary, shared the importance of having a Black Barbie in an industry that often lacks diversity. She stated, "Barbie is such a ubiquitous and iconic brand. It's important to know that the Barbie brand could be attached to a non-white doll. Having Black Barbie just reinforces the fact that being Black is fly and amazing - and that Black women are gorgeous."
The impact of Black Barbie went far beyond the toy industry. It also had a profound effect on young girls, boosting their self-esteem and sense of self-worth. For young Black girls, seeing a doll that looked like them was an empowering validation of their existence and beauty.
The success of Black Barbie also paved the way for more diverse dolls in the Barbie line, and its legacy continues to be celebrated today through this powerful documentary. As director Lagueria Davis explains, "It's a beautiful legacy story. It shows how representation can work - and we're talking about a time when there weren't any DEI initiatives. Black Barbie is validation for my aunt and Kitty and Stacy, being seen and heard at a company where they were oftentimes silenced. Black Barbie is also validation for us filmmakers, everybody who worked on it, being seen and heard in this industry."
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