As Black History Month nears, Barbie has decided to honor the legacy of Ida B. Wells with a new doll as part of its Inspiring Women Series, according to a release shared with Blavity. Wells joins the list of historical barbies that includes figures like Maya Angelou, Helen Keller and Eleanor Roosevelt. 

Known for her work as a journalist and activist, the awe-inspiring educator is credited as one of the co-founders of the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

Along with the new doll, the company is partnering with Girls Write Now, a nonprofit aimed at offering mentorship for the next generation of up-and-coming writers and leaders. Barbie will be working through its Dream Gap Project donation to provide writing and publishing programs for high school girls and gender expansive groups. Barbie will also be hosting a virtual Dream Gap event featuring Wells' great-granddaughter Michelle Duster as a speaker.

Duster tweeted the news of her ancestor's Barbie doll on Sunday, adding that those interested in the toy should also consider purchasing her latest book as a way to teach children about Wells' legacy. 

"For children, it's a great way to learn about as well as celebrate her," she wrote. 

Barbie will also be participating in a Girls Write Now Different Perspectives initiative, where the participants will be tasked with writing a personal story based on the same video clip shown to all. Barbie will submit two videos as a guide for girls. 

Barbie's Ida B. Wells doll will be available for purchase on Amazon, Walmart and Target beginning on Jan. 17. Those looking to buy on Amazon are encouraged to donate a portion of the profits to Girls Write Now by shopping via Amazon Smile.  

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