Can you guess the year that the First Black Barbie Doll made her debut? If you said, around 1967 or 1968; you are…. HALF right. Say What??! Yes, while the Barbie did in fact release a couple of black dolls during the 60’s they had different names.
Neither doll was Barbie, herself. They were just more so friends of Barbie. Still a major feat that went a long way in helping in building the confidence up in youth black girls; proving that they too are considered gorgeous and the “standard of beauty.”
Nevertheless, it would take a few more decades before Barbie actually “went” black. Meaning Mattel doll would actually BE Barbie, just a woman of color. So then, now that you catch our drift, we will pose the same question from the outset of this article. Can you guess the year of the very FIRST Black Barbie?
First Black Barbie Doll-Collect IT! 40th Anniversary Black Barbie Doll
The 80’s baby! A decade marked by luxury, excess and wealth. It was also another profound decade that marked change in social, financial and tech realms. It is during all of this that the first Black Barbie is born!
Furthermore, for Black History Month, Barbie wants to celebrate this momentous release; with a re-release of the original Black Barbie! AHHH!!! Yes, own a piece of history that changed the fashion doll game forever. Regarding this wonderful doll Barbie reveals the historic details and design of Black Barbie by stating,
“Because representation is everything. Making her debut in 1980, the first ever black fashion doll to have the name Barbie sparked a new era of possibility for girls everywhere.
The original Black Barbie made her debut in 1980. Though beloved friends of Barbie — like Christie and Francie — were introduced over the preceding decades; this was the first black fashion doll to be hailed as Barbie herself.
She wore a stylish red dress and had her hair in a curly afro hairstyle. She sparked a new era of possibility for girls everywhere. To celebrate her ruby anniversary; 40th Anniversary First Black Barbie doll fittingly wears a flowiing; red trumphet-style gown with cut-away sleeves; inspired by her iconic outfit.
Her hair is styled in a sophisticated up do, a subtle nod to her original look. Finishing touches include golden hoop earrings; a necklace and a matching clutch. Now, like then, this anniversary doll captures the doll’s signature statement: “She’s black, she’s beautiful, she’s dynamite!”
This collectible Barbie Signature doll comes with a doll stand and Certificate of Authenticity. Doll cannot stand alone. Colors and decorations may vary.”
First Black Barbie Doll
In conclusion, just to sum things up. Yes…before the 80’s there were black fashion dolls by Barbie. However, it wasn’t until 1980 that Barbie herself became black. Now it is 40 years later and the celebration of black beauty continues!
What to be apart of the 40th anniversary? Well, you can by purchasing this must-have collectors item. Currently, each ruby anniversary fashion doll is retailing for $39.99.
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