Issa Rae truly embodied the role of President Barbie… But did you know the first Barbie to stand on her own to run for president emerged from Vote Run Lead?
*In 2000, Barbie’s bid for the presidency was a striking collaboration between Mattel, and The White House Project, a nonprofit organization seeking to increase female representation in American institutions.
This unique collaboration aimed to break the longstanding barriers that had been limiting the presence of women in politics.
The White House Project president Tiffany Dufu shared, “Our founder, Marie Wilson, felt that girls should aspire to something greater than living in a dream house with Ken. One of my most proud professional accomplishments was convincing the doll maker to finally design President Barbie with shoes that would allow her to remain upright. As Marie would often quip, ‘The leader of the free world should be able to stand on her own two feet.’”
WHP president Tiffany Dufu advocated for Presidental Barbie to stand on her own without the need for a doll stand.
This unexpected journey, intertwining dolls and political aspirations, not only reimagined Barbie’s role but also laid the foundation for a powerful movement aimed at reshaping the narrative of women in politics.
But there’s more to this tale: Enter Vote Run Lead (VRL), a dynamic force that resulted from the synergy of The White House Project. Established in 2013, VRL roared into existence to equip women with the tools to win big in the political arena.
The White House Project’s Barbie for President 2000
Fast forward to present day, and guess who has captured the spotlight? None other than Barbie herself! But not just any Barbie — we’re talking about the one and only President Barbie. She’s a symbol of empowerment and possibility for girls across the nation. But let’s be clear — this isn’t simply about dolls. It’s about igniting the fires of political passion, instilling in young children the unshakable belief that they have the power to commandeer any stage they desire.
Barbie’s recent ascension to billion-dollar box office success is more than a financial triumph– it’s a resounding testament to the inspiration she continues to ignite. And the best part? There’s no hint of a slowdown in sight. Her impact reverberates not just in theaters, but as a clarion call for children everywhere to dream, to aspire, and to believe in their own potential.
The White House Project’s Barbie for President 2004
Now, let’s address the stark reality of our nation — there’s still a lot of unfinished business on our hands. While Barbie Land throws us a glimmer of hope and dreams to grab onto, let’s be real: it’s been almost sixty years since the first woman to run for president, U.S. Senator Margaret Chase rocked the stage, and we’re still waiting for a woman to grab that big seat.
What’s truly staggering is the alarming void in Black women’s representation in the United States Senate’s leadership. Ever since Kamala Harris ascended from the upper chamber to the vice presidency, the resounding absence of Black women’s voices continues to echo through the halls of the United States Senate.
Issa Rae as President Barbie in Warner Bros.’ 2023 Barbie film.
In this delicate dance between reality and dreams, a potent wave of inspiration takes center stage. Issa Rae portrays a Black woman president on film, while Kamala Harris shatters glass ceilings as the first Black woman vice president in the real world, uniting to ignite the fires of potential. Our hope is for young girls to witness the realization of Issa Rae as President Barbie alongside an all-female Supreme Court, thus discovering the motivation to enter the realm of politics. This aspiration goes beyond state legislatures, encompassing the highest office — the presidency.
Source: jhowardpr.com
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