Barbie announces new Ida B. Wells doll as part of ‘Inspiring Women’ series – NBC10 Philadelphia

Barbie is continuing her “Inspiring Women” series by honoring pioneering journalist, sufferer and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells with a doll in her image. she.

The new doll, which will launch at select major retailers on January 17, depicts Wells wearing a floor-length dress and holding a miniature copy of the newspaper “Memphis Free Speech”, a publication. of which she is both editor and co-owner.

In a statement shared with Shop TODAY, Lisa McKnight, Senior Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel shared that the company is “extremely proud” to welcome Wells to the product line. “Inspiring Woman”, so kids can learn more about the big strides she’s made towards equality throughout her life. “

“Exposing children to role models like Ida B. Wells is important to remind them that they have power and can make a difference in the world,” says McKnight.

Wells is an award-winning anti-separation activist a posthumous Pulitzer Prize in 2020 for her “brave and brilliant reporting on the horrific and brutal violence against African-Americans during the separation.” She also helped found the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

“I’m honored that Barbie has chosen to celebrate my great-grandmother, Ida B. Wells, as part of the Inspiring Women Series,” said Michelle Duster, Wells’ niece and author of “Ida B. Wells, Voices of Truth,” said in a statement. “My great-grandmother was a forerunner who courageously followed her convictions and challenged the status quo by fighting for women’s civil rights and suffrage. This was an incredible opportunity. amazed to shine a light on her truth and enduring legacy to empower a new generation to speak out for what they believe in.”

The Ida B. Wells Barbie retails for $30 and will be available at Amazon, Target, and Walmart starting Monday.

Wells’ character joins a growing list of history-making women who have been honored with their own dolls ever since. Barbie Inspiring Women’s Line launched in 2018. Other metrics include Dr. Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks and Amelia Earhart. Frida Kahlo was added in 2018, but faced some controversy.

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