Black Barbie

You Can’t Make This Up

In 1959, Barbie changed the way girls played with dolls - taking them from babies to beauty queens, fashion mavens, and professional role models. But girls of color didn’t see themselves represented by the blonde haired, Malibu-tanned figurine. It took 20 years for Mattel to finally release Black Barbie. But in the subsequent years, Black Barbie’s place in the Barbie universe - and in the real world - is still evolving and sparking conversation.

Black Barbie traces the doll’s journey from creation to its impact on children of color and its influence in contemporary culture. We hear from the former employees who labored to bring diversity to the famous toy line. The film asks whether - this Barbie is everything - OR could be something more?

In this episode of You Can't Make This Up, host Rebecca Lavoie interviews writer & director Lagueria Davis.

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven't watched Black Barbie yet, make sure to add it to your watch-list before listening on.

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