Family helps with creation of 1st Black Barbie with Down syndrome
Barbie just released the first-ever Black Barbie with Down syndrome. The first Barbie with Down syndrome was created last year, but for the new addition, Mattel got input from a focus group of Black individuals, including a woman with Down syndrome.
Before adding “Barbie” to her resume, 21-year-old Taylor Freeman could be described as your average Clemson student who loves football and is in a sorority.
Taylor was born with Down syndrome, but her mom, Ayoca Freeman, never wanted Taylor to feel limited.
“She has done whatever she wants to do. She’s in a marching band, she’s been prom queen, she has a learning permit, she has a car, and she can drive. We have not put any roadblocks or anything there because of her diagnosis because that's only a part of who she is, is not who she is,” said Ayoca.
Through Mattel’s partnership with the National Down Syndrome Society, Taylor and Ayoca got the opportunity of a lifetime when they were asked to participate in the creation of the first Black Barbie with Down syndrome.
They were asked to review the smallest details that would make the Barbie more relatable to those with Down syndrome.
“She has an oval-shaped face, slanted eyes, her nose is flat,” said Ayoca. "She has a long torso. When you're born with this syndrome, you have a little less muscle tone, so this doll shows some of those characteristics.”
Taylor was filled with joy when she saw the final product.
“Her braids look like me, her glasses are like me,” she said.
Surrounded by love and a strong support system Taylor’s family basks in the joy this Barbie brings, as it's a symbol of representation and inclusion, not just for Taylor but for others just like her.
The Barbie is now available for purchase; you can find it online and at major retail stores.