Nationwide — Mattel has released a new Barbie doll honoring Opal Lee, the activist who helped make Juneteenth a federal holiday. The doll celebrates her lifelong fight for freedom and equality, aiming to inspire children to believe in their own power to create change.
Opal Lee, who is now 99 years old, is known as the “grandmother” of Juneteenth for her tireless advocacy. She spent decades raising awareness about the holiday, which marks when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free in 1865, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
At 89 years old, Lee walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C., to bring national attention to Juneteenth. Her efforts helped push Congress to officially recognize June 19 as a federal holiday in 2021.
The Barbie doll reflects Lee’s dedication to change. It wears glasses, a blue “Unity Unlimited Opal’s Walk for Freedom” T-shirt, white pants, and sneakers, symbolizing her historic walk.
“It has been a joy to partner with Barbie on my Inspiring Women doll,” Lee said in a statement, according to ABC News. “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.”
Mattel praised Lee’s impact, with Vice President Nathan Baynard noting the doll demonstrates “the power of purpose in action.”
The doll is part of Mattel’s Inspiring Women series, which also honors other influential figures like Rosa Parks, Venus Williams, and Sally Ride.