Barbie launches Rosa Parks doll as part of series honouring iconic women

Rosa Parks is the latest iconic woman to garner a doll in her likeness as part of Barbie’s Inspiring Women series.

Mattel announced yesterday, (Monday 26th, August) Parks would be one of the latest additions to the series, which launched in 2018 and features dolls based on women who have played significant roles in history, including Frida Kahlo, Amelia Earhart and Katherine Johnson.

Rosa Parks, the Civil Rights activist and Alabamian led an ordinary life as a seamstress until an extraordinary moment on December 1, 1955, Barbie’s description of the dolls reads. When she refused an order to give up her seat to a white passenger and move to the back of the bus, Mrs. Parks’ act of defiance became the catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Rosa Parks’ quiet strength played a notable role in the civil rights movement, but it would still take another nine years and more struggles before the 1964 Civil Rights Act overruled existing segregation laws.

According to Mattel, the women chosen for the series are all female role models and heroines of their time who took risks and paved the way for the next generation of girls and women. A doll of astronaut Sally Ride was also announced.

The Rosa Parks doll is dressed in fashion from the era and comes with a doll stand, certificate of authenticity and educational information about her role in history.

The doll, which is priced at $30.00, is available for pre-order online now. It is expected to ship in early September.