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.