Opal Lee, 'grandmother' of Juneteenth, honored with new Barbie doll
Mattel is introducing a new Barbie doll that honors pioneering activist Opal Lee, known as the "grandmother" of the Juneteenth movement.
For years, Lee, a former teacher, advocated for and raised awareness about Juneteenth. The special holiday, celebrated every year on June 19, marks the day when African American slaves in Galveston, Texas, were told in 1865 that they had been freed, over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation outlawed slavery and two months after the Civil War ended in April 1865.
Lee, now 99, famously completed a long-distance walk at the age of 89 in 2016 that took her from her home in Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., in order to raise awareness about Juneteenth. Due in part to her efforts, Juneteenth officially became a federal holiday in June 2021.
Lee said she hopes the release of the new doll nearly five years later can inspire more children.
"It has been a joy to partner with Barbie on my Inspiring Women doll," Lee said in a statement. "I hope my story encourages the next generation to never underestimate the power of one voice. As I often say, one person can start a change, and that can change the world."
In a separate statement, Mattel said Lee's Barbie doll showcases "the power of purpose in action."
"[Lee's] lifelong commitment to community, education, and equity mirrors Barbie's mission to inspire the next generation to raise their voice, create change, and believe in their limitless potential," Mattel Inc. Vice President and Head of Barbie Nathan Baynard said.
The Opal Lee Barbie doll features glasses, a blue Unity Unlimited Opal's Walk for Freedom T-shirt, white pants and sneakers.
It's the latest doll in Barbie's Inspiring Women series, which also includes dolls of other greats such as Venus Williams, the late Dr. Jane Goodall, the late Rosa Parks and the late Sally Ride.
Lee's Barbie Doll will go on sale on Jan. 22 and retail for $37.80.
