Dr. Maya Angelou, an American author, poet, civil rights activist and teacher, has been honored with a Barbie doll.
Mattel, the maker of Barbie, made the announcement Thursday as part of Barbie’s Inspiring Women series, which pays tribute to notable role models who encourage young people to dream big.
The company has also made fighting racism and dedicating resources to the Black community as its mission.
"Our efforts include a commitment to spotlight more Black role models who are female, and now, we are introducing a doll that honors Dr. Maya Angelou, author and activist who used her voice and unique writing style to connect with people and inspire generations," Mattel said in a news release.
Other heroine dolls in the Inspiring Women series include Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Sally Ride, Billie Jean King, Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale and Susan B. Anthony.
Angelou's Barbie, dressed in a head wrap and floor-length, floral print dress, holds a miniature replica of her autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings."
Angelou, who died in 2014, had over 50 honorary doctorates and a Presidential Medal of Freedom. She was nominated for a National Book Award in 1970.
Her doll is available today for $29.99.
