Mattel unveils barbie honoring Maya Angelou

Mattel has unveiled a Barbie doll honoring Maya Angelou ahead of Black history month.

Maya Angelou barbie

The Barbie wears a floral print floor-length dress and a matching head wrap. She also proudly holds Angelou’s infamous literary piece I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

The figurine of the iconic author and civil rights activist is part of Barbie’s Inspiring Women series which includes other dolls of influential women.

Maya Angelou, Mattel

Commitment to the Black community

Angelou’s barbie was also created to honor the company’s commitment to the Black community in 2020, which includes initiatives such as making sure one in five dolls created are Black of various skin tones.

“Our efforts include a commitment to spotlight more Black role models who are female, and now, we are introducing a doll that honors Dr. Maya Angelou, author and activist who used her voice and unique writing style to connect with people and inspire generations,” Mattel wrote in a statement.