‘Black Barbie’ Documentary Reveals Iconic Doll’s Inspiring Story

Shondaland’s upcoming documentary, ‘Black Barbie,’ is poised to uncover the inspiring and influential narrative behind the creation of the iconic dolls.

The much-anticipated trailer for the documentary has been released, providing a glimpse into the remarkable journey of the Black Barbie and the women who brought them to life at Mattel.

The trailer, which has generated immense anticipation, features interviews with the women who played pivotal roles in the creation of these influential dolls. Executive producer Shonda Rhimes sets the tone by expressing, “If you go through life, and you’ve never seen anything made in your own image, there is damage done. I thought Black Barbie felt magical.”

‘Black Barbie,’ as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, celebrates the Black women at Mattel who profoundly impacted the evolution of the Barbie brand as it stands today. The documentary promises to narrate the captivating story of how the first Black Barbie came to be in 1980, highlighting the importance of representation and the pivotal role dolls play in identity and imagination formation.

Kitty Black Perkins, the visionary designer behind Black Barbie, shares her insight into the doll’s creation, stating, “I designed Black Barbie to reflect the total look of a Black woman.” Directed by Lagueria Davis, the documentary draws inspiration from the story of her great aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, a trailblazer at Mattel who fearlessly advocated for a doll that resembled her.

‘Black Barbie’ is not only set to delve into the history of Black dolls but also their impact on civil rights and Black entrepreneurship. It aims to illuminate the significant role of imaginative play in shaping children’s identity. Above all, ‘Black Barbie’ will celebrate the women who finally felt seen by the dolls being made in their image.

This groundbreaking documentary is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on June 10, a day of immense historical significance for the Black community, marking the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States.