MADAM C.J. WALKER, AMERICA’S FIRST FEMALE SELF-MADE MILLIONAIRE HONORED WITH HER OWN BARBIE

Thu 01 September 2022:

Even more inspirational women are now represented in the latest round of Barbie dolls. The first black woman to become a self-made billionaire is the newest entry in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Madam C.J. Walker, a person of color and former slave, was born in December 1967; she was given the name Sarah Breedlove at birth. Due to her commercial endeavor, she achieved great success and established herself as an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and political and social activist.

She backed organizations that promoted women’s rights and racial rights, as well as orphanages and Black colleges.

Walker helped countless black women achieve financial independence through her business, Walker Manufacturing Co., while coming from a modest upbringing herself. Her business produced a range of cosmetics and hair products exclusively for women of color.

The Madam C.J. Walker doll depicts the businesswoman wearing a floral-printed top and turquoise skirt, holding her original “Wonderful Hair Grower” product in her hands.

A’Lelia Bundles, Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, worked with Mattel on the initiative, according to a statement made public by CNN. Bundles, who is also the creator of a haircare line.

“It was a joy to work with Barbie on the design and creation of an Inspiring Women doll made in the likeness of my great-great grandmother, Madam C.J. Walker,” she said.

Bundle said that the “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.” adding that she’s eager for a younger generation to be inspired by her great-great grandmother’s story.

“We’re honored to welcome her into this group of trailblazing women”, said Lisa McKnight, executive vice president and global head of Barbie and dolls at Mattel, in a statement to CNN. “We’re excited to introduce more kids to her journey to becoming one of the country’s first widely successful female founders.”

Rosa Parks, Maya Angelou, Billie Jean King, and Jane Goodall are among the other remarkable women celebrated in Barbie’s Inspiring Women collection. According to the Mattel website, the Madam C.J. Walker doll is already out of stock.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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