Barbie officially announced the launch of their Bessie Coleman doll, as part of the “Inspiring Women” series, honoring her on her birthday, January 26th.
Barbie teamed up with Coleman's great niece Gigi Coleman, the president of The Bessie Coleman Aviation All-Stars, to ensure the aviator's legacy was represented in its truest form.
Coleman became the first black woman and first Native American to earn an aviation pilot's license and the first black person and first Native American to earn an international aviation license.
Coleman’s great niece Gigi Coleman talked about the honor,
“As someone who has dedicated much of my life to encouraging youth of all backgrounds to explore careers in aviation, my family and I commend Barbie for expanding my great aunt's legacy in such an overwhelming tribute, with a Bessie Coleman Inspiring Women doll," Gigi Coleman said in a statement. "Keeping Bessie's legacy alive has always been a labor of love for my family, and we are proud to recognize her determination and accomplishments for Black women in aviation and continue to share my great aunt's pioneering spirit with fans of all ages."
“We hope through this doll more people will discover Bessie's story and be inspired. Stories have power, I grew up on anecdotes of my great-aunt's courage and look forward to sharing them in my upcoming book."
