What is the name of Barbie's first African-American friend doll?

Barbie’s first African-American friend doll was Christie, who debuted in 1968. She became one of the most important early additions to Barbie’s expanding circle of friends and represented a major step toward greater racial diversity in the line.

Christie was introduced as part of Mattel’s Talking dolls and was later released in other Barbie formats, including a Twist ’N Turn version. She was commonly portrayed as Barbie’s friend and was also paired with Brad and later Steven in different eras of the franchise. Christie remained in the product line for many years.

A common mix-up involves Colored Francie, released in 1967. That doll had dark skin but used the existing Francie head sculpt and is sometimes described as Mattel’s first Black doll. Christie is generally regarded as the first true African-American character in the Barbie line and is the canonical answer when the question specifies Barbie’s first African-American friend doll. Nikki arrived much later and eventually filled a similar friend role.