Dr. Maya Angelou's Barbie Doll Is Inspiring

On January 14, 2021 Mattel released a Barbie doll in Maya Angelou’s likeness for their Barbie Inspiring Women Series. The Inspiring Women Series is a campaign where Mattel creates dolls in the likeness of women, who paved the way for future generations of girls. The doll created in Angelou’s likeness is wearing a head wrap and matching dress. The doll is accessorized with a golden ring, bracelet, watch and earrings. The doll is carrying a miniature replica of Angelou’s memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Who was Maya Angelou?

Maya Angelou smiling with her book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings — On Nov,. 3 , 1971 Maya Angelou smiles with a copy of her book, I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings. (Photo/ AP)

Dr. Maya Angelou was an author, actress, screenwriter, dancer, poet, and civil rights activist. Although she wore all of those hats, most people know her for her literary works. She is notably known for her 1969 memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings that details her childhood and young adult years.

She was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. She suffered hardships growing up that led her to stop talking for years. She did not let her childhood trauma define her and she created a career full of accolades.

She was the first for many achievements for African American woman. Her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, was the first nonfiction bestseller by an African American woman. Her recitation of her poem, On the Pulse of the Morning during former President Bill Clinton’s Inauguration in 1993 made her the first African American and female poet to speak at a U. S. Presidential inauguration.