Pioneering Black Journalist and Staunch Republican Ida B. Wells Honored By Barbie

Pioneering Black journalist and activist Ida B. Wells will be immortalized by Barbie this month to honor a lifetime of achievement that shaped America’s social justice landscape.

“Barbie is proud to honor the incredible Ida B. Wells as the newest role model in our Inspiring Women series, dedicated to spotlighting heroes who paved the way for generations of girls to dream big and make a difference,” Barbie, owned by toy manufacturer Mattel, announced on social media.

“When kids learn about heroes like Ida B. Wells, they don’t just imagine a better future – they know they have the power to make it come true,” the company wrote.

Wells will be the 10th addition to Mattel and Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series, which includes figurines of influential women like Maya Angelou, Billie Jean King and Ella Fitzgerald. Her Barbie doll, dressed in a floor-length black gown with a white lace collar, will also come with a miniature replica of the Memphis Free Speech and Headlight newspaper, which she co-owned.