The first Black Barbie doll with a distinctly Black identity debuted in 1980.
Mattel had previously released Black dolls in the Barbie world, including Christie, who was introduced in 1968 as Barbie’s friend. Those dolls were separate characters, however, rather than Black versions of Barbie herself. The 1980 release was marketed as the first Black Barbie and was designed as Barbie with her own name and identity.
The doll appeared during a period when toy companies were responding to wider demands for racial representation. She had a darker skin tone, textured dark hair, and a fashionable outfit reflecting contemporary style. Kitty O’Neill, a Mattel designer, is often credited with designing the first Black Barbie.
The release is sometimes confused with the introduction of Christie. Christie came first, but she was Barbie’s friend; 1980 marks the first Black doll specifically named Barbie.