Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series just welcomed one of its most meaningful additions yet: a new doll honoring Opal Lee, widely known as the "Grandmother of Juneteenth." The new release celebrates Lee’s lifelong work advocating for national recognition of Juneteenth — highlighting how persistence, education and community action can help move history forward.
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Lee’s story is deeply tied to the significance of June 19. As a child in Fort Worth, Texas, her family’s home was destroyed in a racially motivated attack on June 19, 1939 — an experience that later fueled her commitment to educating others about Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
Decades later, that commitment turned into action. At age 89, Lee walked from Fort Worth to Washington, D.C., covering 2.5 miles per day to symbolize the delay in emancipation reaching Texas. Her advocacy played a key role in Juneteenth being officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. In 2024, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to civil rights and social justice.
The new Inspiring Women Barbie Doll captures Lee as she appeared during that historic walk, wearing a blue Unity Unlimited Opal’s Walk for Freedom T-shirt, white pants, sneakers and glasses.
Shop this article: Barbie Inspiring Women Opal Lee Collectible Doll, Barbie Inspiring Women Series, Venus Williams Fashion Doll, Barbie Inspiring Women Doll, Ida B. Wells Collectible
The Opal Lee doll joins the Barbie Inspiring Women Series, which spotlights real-life trailblazers whose stories encourage future generations to dream bigger, speak up and create change.
"It has been a joy to partner with Barbie on my Inspiring Women doll," Dr. Opal Lee said. "I hope my story encourages the next generation to never underestimate the power of one voice. As I often say, one person can start a change, and that can change the world."
Alongside Lee, the collection includes figures from sports, science, journalism and the arts, each one telling a powerful story in doll form.
Barbie Inspiring Women Series, Venus Williams Fashion Doll
This collectible doll honors Venus Williams in her signature tennis uniform, complete with a racket and displayable packaging. The design celebrates her impact on the sport and her role in redefining power and confidence in sports.
Barbie Inspiring Women Doll, Ida B. Wells Collectible
This doll pays tribute to Ida B. Wells, the investigative journalist and civil rights leader, dressed in a period-appropriate blue outfit with a newspaper as an accessory. Her doll reflects her work exposing injustice and her lasting influence on journalism and social reform.
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Barbie Signature Inspiring Women Fashion Doll, Ellen Ochoa Collectible
Honoring Ellen Ochoa, this collectible features the astronaut in a detailed space suit with a helmet accessory. It highlights Ochoa’s groundbreaking career as the first Latina astronaut and her contributions to science, engineering and space exploration.
Barbie Inspiring Women Doll, Bessie Coleman Collectible
This doll celebrates Bessie Coleman, the first African American and Native American woman pilot, dressed in an aviator suit with helmet and goggles. It reflrects her determination to break barriers in aviation despite the systemic obstacles she faced.
Barbie Inspiring Women Doll, Celia Cruz
This collectible doll honors Celia Cruz, known as the Queen of Salsa, featuring a red lace dress, golden microphone and doll stand. It captures her larger-than-life presence and enduring influence on music and culture.
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