Culture
Bessie Coleman, pioneering pilot, has her own Barbie
Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Native American female pilot, now has her own Barbie.

Pioneering aviator, Bessie Coleman, now has her own Barbie.
The Bessie Coleman Barbie
Barbie officially announced the release of its Bessie Coleman doll on Wednesday, as part of its “Inspiring Women” series, in honor of both her January 26 birthday and the forthcoming Black History Month. Coleman was the first Black and Native American female pilot, and her success inspired other pilots of color to earn their wings.
Coleman joins the likes of Maya Angelou, Madam CJ Walker, and Tina Turner who also have their own doll.

Photo Credit: Barbie/Mattel
“Keeping Bessie’s legacy alive has always been a labor of love for my family, and we are proud to recognize her determination and accomplishments for Black women in aviation and continue to share my great aunt’s pioneering spirit with fans of all ages,” said Gigi Coleman, Bessie Coleman’s great-niece, said in a statement.
Barbie will also partner with the Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars — a nonprofit founded by Gigi Coleman — that educates students and introduces them to careers in aviation, as well as the nonprofit Girls Write Now.
Pioneering aviator who triumphed through adversity
Born in Texas in 1892 to a family of sharecroppers, Coleman’s story includes triumphing over racism and sexism. In the early 1900s, when her race and gender barred her from being admitted into flight schools in the United States, Coleman took her talents to France, earning her license in 1921 from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. She became known for captivating American audiences with aerial stunts until a plane crash tragically ended her life in 1926 at 34 years young, just five years after earning her license.
Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie & Dolls at Mattel Lisa McKnight said Coleman was chosen for the series because of the “monumental boundaries” she broke for women and people of color.
“As the first Black and Native American female pilot, Bessie is a remarkable icon to inspire children everywhere to soar to greater heights. Barbie is thrilled to introduce the Bessie Coleman Inspiring Women doll and continue to amplify Bessie’s passion for encouraging people of color to pursue careers in aviation,” McKnight said.
Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
-
Black And Missing2 weeks ago
Body of missing North Carolina teen Giovanni Pelletier found in Florida retention pond, family confirms
-
Crime & Justice6 days ago
Alabama mother sues state workers after 3-year-old son dies in scorching hot car
-
News2 weeks ago
Family seeks justice for San Antonio, TX woman fatally mauled by pitbull dog
-
Community1 week ago
New Jersey mourns Esiyah Dixon-Waheed, pageant queen, HBCU alumna, killed in Missouri drunk-driving crash
-
Crime & Justice4 days ago
Virginia man sentenced to life for murder of New Jersey councilwoman Eunice Dwumfour
-
Community4 days ago
Burger King employee who went viral for running restaurant alone for 12 hours says she was fired; GoFundMe launched
-
News2 weeks ago
Two FAMU graduates killed in Houston car crash during greek picnic weekend
-
Health & Wellness1 week ago
Actor/Comedian Guy Torry hospitalized with pulmonary embolism, shares update from recovery