TITLE
Watch Barbie and Nikki have an important conversation that addresses racism.
Mattel released Ida B. Wells as an Inspiring Woman Barbie doll in 2022. Other dolls in this collection include Maya Angelou and Bessie Coleman. Ida B. Wells was a writer and public speaker in the 1800s and early 1900s. Ida was born enslaved. Her family earned their freedom in 1865. Ida wrote about racism. She also helped create the National Association of Colored Women and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Both groups are still very important today.
Select an activity below to download the PDF.
Making Connections
Text-to-Self
Have you ever played with Barbie or her friends? If so, what kind of life did you imagine for them? If not, what kind of life would you imagine?
Text-to-Text
Have you read any books about other toys? What did those toys have in common with Barbie? How were they different?
Text-to-World
Mattel made many important changes to the Barbie Universe between 2010 and today. The changes were made to better reflect the real world. What are some other changes Barbie could make to help every person feel included?