28 Days Of Black History: When Was The First Black Barbie Released?

The first black Barbie, talking Christie

The first Barbie doll was created in 1959 by Ruth Handler. It wasn’t until 1968 that Barbie was introduced to a new friend Black “Christie”. In 1980 Mattel finally released a black version of Barbie “Black Barbie”.

The first “Black Barbie”

Since 1980, the face of Black Barbie has gone through multiple changes. She now comes in a variety of shades like real  African American women.  Now only if Mattel would make Barbies with realistic body types.  

I remember growing up playing with Barbie dolls. I appreciate the fact that I had dolls that looked like me to play with.