Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire, is being honored with her own Barbie doll.
It's part of the Barbie Inspiring Women Series, which "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."
"Their design team graciously welcomed me throughout all steps of the process – from hair development to packaging – to capture and celebrate the legacy of this trailblazing Black businesswoman. I can’t wait for a new generation to be inspired by her story and to tell their own stories through a role model who came before them," A’Lelia Bundles, Great-Great Granddaughter and Official Biographer of Madam C.J. Walker, said in a news release.
Walker created a line of hair care products and built a factory, hair and manicure salon and second training school in Indianapolis.
The Madam C.J. Walker Barbie is holding a miniature replica of her original Wonderful Hair Grower product.
"Madam C.J. Walker’s unflinching determination and pioneering spirit not only helped revolutionize the hair care industry of the time, but broke boundaries and opened doors for the next generation of women entering business and entrepreneurship," Mattel, Barbie's parent company, wrote in a news release.
The doll was released Wednesday and was already sold out at Target and Mattel on Thursday. It is still available online through Walmart and Amazon.
Other women who have been part of the Barbie series include Helen Keller, Amelia Earhart, Rosa Parks and Dr. Jane Goodall.
-
Indiana's Hope the Groundhog makes her 2026 prediction
Punxsutawney Phil may have seen his shadow in 2026, but an Indiana groundhog had a warmer forecast in mind.
Post Malone and Jelly Roll announce Lucas Oil Stadium show
Post Malone and Jelly Roll are bringing their summer tour to Lucas Oil Stadium on Friday, June 12. Tickets go on sale starting February 6.
Sidney Eskenazi, hospital philanthropist, dies weeks after wife
Sidney Eskenazi, whose $40 million gift helped build the Eskenazi Health hospital campus, has died, according to a statement from Eskenazi Health. His wife Lois died last month.
Black-owned barbershop connects cuts and culture through art
A local Black-owned barbershop on Indy's Old Southside is bringing a different kind of buzz to the neighborhood by blending haircuts and culture through art.
