Author Archives: DeeBeeGee

Shani and Friends Video

Please enjoy The Marvelous World of Shani: Mattel’s First “Ethnically Correct” Black Dolls video below. Tidbits and detailed history of the Shani line and other Black friends of Barbie throughout the past four decades are discussed and illustrated. _________ Your comments are valued. Donations aid the initiative to preserve Black-doll history.  If you subscribe to DeeBeeGee’sContinue reading “Shani and Friends Video”

Shani and Friends Soul Train Dolls

Name: Soul Train Shani, Asha, Jamal, and Nichelle Made by and When: Mattel, 1993 Material: Vinyl Height: 11-1/2 inches (Shani, Asha, and Nichelle) and 12 inches (Jamal) Hair/Eyes/Mouth: Shani and Nichelle have rooted long black hair; Asha has auburn rooted hair. Jamal has sculpted black hair/painted brown eyes/smiling mouths with painted appearance of teeth. Clothes:Continue reading “Shani and Friends Soul Train Dolls”

Shani and Her Friends

Name: Shani and Her Friends Asha, Nichelle, and Jamal Made by and When: Mattel, 1991 Material: Vinyl Height: 11-1/2 inches (Shani, Asha, and Nichelle); 12 inches (Jamal) Hair/Eyes/Mouth: All three have rooted, wavy textured hair with bangs. Shani and Nichelle have long black hair; Asha has long auburn hair. Their large eyes are painted brown.Continue reading “Shani and Her Friends”

Sunsational Malibu Christie

Name: Sunsational Malibu Christie Made by and When: Mattel, 1981 Material: Vinyl Height: 11-1/2 inches Hair, Eyes, Mouth: Brown below-the-shoulder-length curly hair, brown-painted eyes, closed mouth Clothes/Accessories: Yellow one-piece, orange-trimmed bathing suit; mirrored aviator sunglasses, and a beach towel Other: An illustration of a doll with the Steffie head sculpt is on the lower bottomContinue reading “Sunsational Malibu Christie”

Sunsational Malibu Ken

Name: Sunsational Malibu Ken (1st Black Ken) Made by and When: Mattel, 1981 Material: Vinyl Height: 12 inches Hair, Eyes, Mouth: Black-rooted Afro, brown-painted eyes, closed mouth Clothes/Accessories: Yellow swim trunks with orange trim, mirrored aviator sunglasses, and a beach towel Other: Often referred to as “Afro Ken” because it is the first Black KenContinue reading “Sunsational Malibu Ken”

Magic Curl Barbie

Name: Magic Curl Barbie Made by and When: Mattel, 1981 Material: Vinyl Height: 11-1/2 inches Hair, Eyes, Mouth: Dark brown curly hair that can be “straightened”, brown-painted eyes, slightly parted lips Clothes/Accessories: Yellow full-length dress with puffed sleeves and a sash, a white hair ribbon, a yellow towel wrap, high-heel mules, one each small andContinue reading “Magic Curl Barbie”