The first black Barbie doll was released in 1980 as part of Mattel’s Dolls of the World collection. She was given the name “Black Barbie” and came with a dashiki and headwrap. Since then, Mattel has released numerous black Barbie dolls with varying skin tones, hairstyles, fashions, and names that reflect the diversity of the African American experience. Some of the most popular and well-known black Barbies include:
Christie
Christie was the first black Barbie to actually be given a name, debuting in 1968. She had the same face mold and body as the original white Barbie, but had darker skin and a curly afro hairstyle. Christie was a friend of Barbie and part of her social circle. She was marketed as Barbie’s “colored friend” and came with mod fashion styles.
Francie
Francie was introduced in 1967 as Barbie’s younger cousin. She had a darker complexion than Christie and represented a black teenager. Francie was the first black fashion doll to be mass produced in the United States. She came with her own family, friends, and fashions and was intended to reflect the values of black culture in the late 1960s.
Brad
Brad was Barbie’s African American boyfriend, introduced in 1972. He was Barbie’s first black male doll friend. Brad had an athletic physique, a stylish afro hairstyle, and came dressed in hip 1970s fashions. He was later renamed Steven.
Nichelle
Nichelle was the best friend of Barbie’s younger sister Kelly, introduced in 1985. She had glowing dark brown skin, black rooted hair, and came dressed in fun 1980s styles with bright colors and patterns.
Shani
Shani debuted in 1990 as the first black Barbie to have distinctly African facial features. She had full lips, wider nose, high cheekbones, and cornrow braids. Shani was part of the Dolls of the World collection and represented African culture, coming dressed in traditional clothing.
History of Black Barbie
The evolution of the black Barbie doll has reflected the changes in society’s attitudes and greater diversity awareness over the decades:
1959 – The first Barbie doll debuts. She is white with blond hair.
1967 – Francie is the first black fashion doll by a major manufacturer. She has a dark complexion and represented a black teenager.
1968 – Christie, the first black Barbie, is released as Barbie’s “colored friend.” She has a dark complexion and afro.
1980 – The official “Black Barbie” is released as part of the Dolls of the World collection. She comes with a dashiki and headwrap.
1988 – The first collectors edition black Barbie is launched, with gold jewelry and intricate clothing designs celebrating African heritage.
1990 – Shani debuts as the first Barbie with distinct African facial features like full lips, wider nose, and cornrow hair.
1991 – Dolls of All Nations Barbie introduces diverse skin tones, facial features, and hair textures.
2009 – The So In Style collection debuts with black Barbies reflecting a mix of urban and ethnic styles.
2019 – Shero Barbie honors black role models like Ella Fitzgerald, Florence Nightingale, and Maya Angelou.
2020 – Barbie Launches a new black Fashionistas line with over 175 diverse looks.
Key Milestones
- 1967 – First black fashion doll Francie released
- 1968 – Christie, first black Barbie
- 1990 – Shani, first Barbie with African features
- 2009 – So In Style line launched
- 2019 – Shero black role models honored
Black Barbie’s evolution reflects growing diversity awareness and the importance of equal representation.
Popular Black Barbie Dolls
Here are some of the most popular, groundbreaking, and influential black Barbie dolls through the decades:
Christie (1968)
– Barbie’s first black friend
– Mod fashion styles
– Afro hairstyle
– Same face as white Barbie
Francie (1967)
– First mass produced black fashion doll
– Represented a black teenager
– Had a darker complexion than Christie
– Came with her own family and fashions
Shani (1990)
– First Barbie with distinct African features
– Wider nose, full lips, high cheekbones
– Cornrow braids
– Represented African culture
Nichelle (1985)
– Kelly’s best friend
– Bright 1980s fashion
– Black rooted hair
– Glowing dark brown skin
Barbie’s Impact on Culture
Barbie has had an undeniable impact on culture, beauty ideals, and diversity awareness. As one of the most popular toys in the world, Barbie’s influence is far-reaching.
- Barbie exposed young girls to fashion, culture, and careers they may not have known.
- As Barbie became more racially diverse, it helped normalize non-white skin tones.
- The addition of black, Hispanic, and Asian Barbies reflected a push for more inclusive representation.
- Barbie showed that dolls don’t just have to be white and can embrace different races.
- Black Barbies gave African American girls dolls that looked like themselves.
However, Barbie has also faced ongoing criticisms:
- Promoting unrealistic body standards with her thin, tall physique
- Lack of diversity in early years reinforced white beauty ideals
- Some Barbies promote materialism and consumerism
But increased diversity efforts and body type expansions in recent decades have helped address some of these issues.
Positive Impacts
- Exposure to fashion, culture, careers
- Normalized non-white skin tones
- Increased racial diversity
- Inclusive representation
Criticisms
- Unrealistic body standards
- Lack of early diversity
- Promotes materialism
Black Barbie’s Changing Fashions
Black Barbie’s fashions have evolved with the times, reflecting key fashion trends and cultural styles:
1960s
- Mod mini dresses and go-go boots
- Psychedelic prints and patterns
- Afro hairstyles
- Bold jewelry and accessories
1970s
- Disco inspired looks
- Bell bottom pants and platform shoes
- Flowing maxi dresses
- Headwraps and natural hairstyles
1980s
- Workout and fitness fashion
- Shoulder pad dresses
- Jheri curl hairstyles
- Neon and pastel colors
1990s
- African prints and kente cloth
- Baggy jeans and baseball caps
- Cornrow braids
- Neutral earth tones
2000s
- Low rise jeans
- Baby tees and tunics
- Hoop earrings
- Stiletto heels
Black Barbie’s fashions spotlight significant cultural trends and styles over the decades.
Barbie Collector Values
Collectors generally determine a Barbie’s value based on the following factors:
- Age – The older the Barbie, the more valuable
- Condition – Good condition with original clothing increases value
- Rarity – Special edition dolls have higher value
- Production size – Small production runs are more valuable
- Packaging – Original packaging boosts the price
- Details – Autographs, unique features or accessories increase worth
Based on these factors, the following black Barbies tend to be the most valuable to collectors:
| Doll Name | Year Released | Estimated Value |
|---|---|---|
| Christie | 1968 | $8,000+ |
| Francie | 1967 | $3,000+ |
| Shani | 1990 | $1,500+ |
| Golden Anniversary Barbie | 2009 | $350+ |
| So In Style Darren | 2010 | $1,000+ |
Black Barbies that are older, in good condition, rare, and with original details have the highest values.
Conclusion
From Christie to Shani and beyond, black Barbie dolls have evolved tremendously since their debut in the 1960s. With increased diversity in skin tones, facial features, and hairstyles, Barbie now better represents the rich spectrum of the African American experience. While problems of unrealistic body types and materialism remain, black Barbies have had an undeniable cultural influence. By reflecting trends in fashion and culture over the decades, black Barbie dolls provide a mirror into our changing attitudes around inclusion and diversity. For collectors, the rarest vintage black Barbies can command top dollar prices on the secondary market. Whether for play or collecting, black Barbies continue to be groundbreaking dolls that inspire and reflect culture.