Barbie is honoring civil rights icon Opal Lee with a new doll in its Inspiring Women Series, celebrating her lifelong fight to make Juneteenth a nationally recognized holiday.

The Opal Lee Inspiring Women Barbie was created in her likeness at age 89, the same year she walked from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness about Juneteenth. At 89, Lee walked 2.5 miles a day to symbolize the delay in emancipation reaching Texas. Her efforts helped bring national attention to Juneteenth and played a key role in it becoming a federal holiday in 2021. In 2024, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her impact on civil rights and social justice.

The doll reflects that historic moment, dressed in a blue Unity Unlimited Opal’s Walk for Freedom T-shirt, white pants, sneakers, and glasses. Each detail was designed to honor Lee’s role as a community leader and advocate for justice.

The doll is now available for $37.80 at major retailers, the Mattel Shop, and Mattel Creations.

Lee’s passion for advocacy runs deep through personal experience. In 1939, when she was a child, her family’s home in Fort Worth was destroyed in a racially motivated attack on June 19. That experience later fueled her commitment to educating others about Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas were finally informed of their freedom.

“Dr. Opal Lee exemplifies the power of purpose in action,” said Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie. “Her lifelong commitment to community, education, and equity mirrors Barbie’s mission to inspire the next generation.”

Lee expressed her gratitude for this moment, stating, “It has been a joy to partner with Barbie on my Inspiring Women doll. 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.”