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Barbie Debuts Maya Angelou Doll to Celebrate Her Legacy

Just two weeks ahead of Black History Month, Barbie is honoring the iconic Dr. Maya Angelou with her very own doll.

The brand made the announcement on Instagram last week, adding that the collectible toy is the newest addition to their Inspiring Women Collection. The official account said, “'If you’re always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.' #Barbie is proud to honor the extraordinary #MayaAngelou as the newest heroine in the Inspiring Women Collection. As an author, activist, and teacher, Dr. Angelou serves as an inspiration for what kids can achieve when they speak up, stand out, and refuse to be silenced."

In the accompanying photos, the doll, which is made in Angelou's likeness, wears a gorgeous patterned gown with a matching head-wrap. The doll also sports white shoes and golden jewelry as she holds a tiny replica of the author's 1970 autobiographyI Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

According to Barbie's official website, the Inspiring Women Series "pays tribute to incredible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before." In addition to Angelou, who made history as the first Black female poet to speak at a U.S. presidential inauguration, other dolls include Susan B. Anthony, Ella Fitzgerald, Rosa Parks, Florence Nightingale, Billie Jean King and Sally Ride. 

In a press release, the company said, "Barbie knows that kids' early childhood experiences shape what they imagine to be possible, so it's important that all girls not only see themselves reflected in product and content, but also see inspiring role models who have come before them."

The Angelou dolls are $30 each with a limit of two per person. But unfortunately, due to high demand, the doll is currently sold out everywhere online. Still, fans have the option of signing up to get notifications from Barbie.com when the doll is back in stock. 

We're keeping our fingers crossed that this will be sooner rather than later—since one can never have too many role model dolls in their collection. 

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nakeisha campbell bio

Associate Editor, News and Entertainment

Nakeisha has been interviewing celebrities and covering all things entertainment for over 8 years, but she has also written on a wide range of topics, like career...