Shonda Rhimes brings the story of the groundbreaking ‘Black Barbie’ to Netflix! Following the fervour surrounding ‘Barbie’ last year, a new documentary delves into the subject, focusing specifically on ‘Black Barbie’ and its profound impact on both the community and the Black employees at Mattel during its inception.
For many, Barbie symbolized a narrow, whitewashed ideal, as expressed by one woman in the trailer who recalls seeing only a white doll with blue eyes dressed in pink. However, the introduction of the first ‘Black Barbie’ in 1980 sparked a cultural revolution, empowering generations of young Black girls.
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Designer Kitty Black Perkins emphasized in the documentary that she aimed to capture the essence of Black womanhood in her creation.
Directed by Lagueria Davis and produced by Shondaland’s Shonda Rhimes in collaboration with Netflix, the film traces the origins of ‘Black Barbie’ and its evolution from a mere “friend” of Barbie to a mainstream icon. Former Mattel employees, including Beulah Mae Mitchell, share their experiences, with Mitchell revealing that she advocated for a Black Barbie to the company’s founder, Ruth Handler.
The documentary also features reflections from individuals whose childhoods were profoundly impacted by the debut of ‘Black Barbie’. Scheduled for release on Netflix in June, this documentary promises to shed light on the cultural significance and enduring legacy of ‘Black Barbie’.
– Farheen Ali