People Are Loving This Barbie Doll Modeled After Bessie Coleman, the First Black American Woman Pilot
In a recent addition to the collection of Inspiring Women, Mattel announced the release of another inspiring character - Bessie Coleman. The civil aviator now has a Barbie doll inspired by her, which was an initiative to present women icons across different races, colors, and a spectrum of professions by the company. The previous famous announcements were Tina Turner, Jane Goodall and Madam C.J. Walker who received immense love from people. It was not long back when Barbie was essentially criticized for promoting unreal beauty standards among young girls. Addressing the constant outrage against the Signature Barbies, Mattel understood the assignment of representation and relatability of dolls around the world.
Broadening their spectrum and initiating a neutral acceptance of myriad identities, the Inspiring Women Collection became the hotbed of conversation amongst parents around the world. Bessie Coleman’s new Barbie created waves over the internet as many exclaimed it must have been in the collection at the first leg of it. While many loved the introduction of the Coleman doll as a great agent of inspiring little girls to dream big. Barbie officially announced the launch of its Bessie Coleman doll in honor of both her birthday and Black History Month on January 26.
Coleman was the first Black and Native American female pilot, and her successful career in aviation went on to be the wind beneath the wings of many female pilots today. "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 to CNN after the huge announcement.
Announcing the launch, Mattel Creations wrote, “We promised that this doll would be amazing, just like the real-life person who inspired her, and now we can finally reveal her: Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Native American female aviator and the first Black person to earn an international pilot’s license.” Doll designer Carlyle Nuera talked about the painstaking hardships faced by Coleman, “She had to go all the way to France to get her pilot’s license because there were no pilot training opportunities for Black women in the US at the time.”
Talking about her experience designing and researching the pilot, Nuera adds, “One of my favorite aspects designing for the Inspiring Women line is the research. So, while. I had heard of Bessie Coleman, I learned so much about her in the process.” Wearing a traditional olive-green aviator suit with tall lace-up boots inspired by what pilots typically wore in the 1920s. The doll adorns a cap emblazoned with her initials.
Fans who couldn’t contain their excitement on Instagram said, “Incredible! THANK YOU on behalf of this Black pilot in which Bessie inspired so much of my journey! #FlyHigh #PilotLife✈️” While another writes, “Thank you for creating the doll and making this post!! My daughter and I learned about Ms. Coleman's story when my daughter was in 4th grade two years ago. She was excited to read about her and Ms. Amelia Earhart. Thank you!!!”