New Barbie doll in ‘Inspiring Women’ series honors Madam C.J. Walker
A new doll from Barbie’s inspiring women series will honor Madam C.J. Walker, whose hair-care business made her the first documented self-made female millionaire.
“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, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls for Mattel, said in a statement. “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.”
The “Inspiring Women Series” has previously included Ida B. Wells, Ella Fitzgerald and Maya Angelou, among others. A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great-granddaughter who wrote her biography, said it’s exciting to see Walker honored alongside these figures.
“It’s great to have her in that company,” she said.