Sunday the clock advanced one hour in order to continue the mandate signaling the start of daylight savings time. The day also marked the 24-hour time-frame dedicated by the United Nations to honor the female gender with an International Women’s Day.

Those two significant events coincided during Women’s History Month as Mattel celebrated the 67-year anniversary of the debut of their world-famous Barbie doll.
As time ticked from March 8, 1959 when the toy manufacturer created a now famous miniature mannequin in tribute to women to the present period of revelry, the company announced expansion of their collection by launching an eight- member all-female, “Dream Team.”

Added to their best-selling Barbie line of toys, eight dolls debuted a global representation of feminist iconic, role models. Like a Spring reckoning, on the first day of the week — except for Mother’s Day — the whole world acknowledged feminine presence and significance.

The dolls reflect lean, mean, fierce, fashionable images from sports, science, space exploration and entertainment industries.

Needless to say, the collectibles were inspired by significant contributors and living dolls fashioned for recognition.

Team members include American tennis star Serena Williams and astronaut Kelli Gerardi. Six represent diverse, global standouts which spotlights Mexican race car driver Regina Sirvent Alvarado, England’s professional soccer player Chloe Kelly, Australian surfer Stephanie Gilmore, Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana, Germany’s pop star Helene Fischer, and Poland’s trailblazing youngest, mountain climber Zoja Skubis.

“Just like so many women have empowered me to turn my fear into courage and doubt into confidence, I hope we can do the same by championing girls everywhere to pick up a racquet, become an entrepreneur, or do whatever ignites their passion and brings their dreams to life,” Olympic superstar Williams said.

Since retiring from world stage competition, the tennis ace has amassed an impressive portfolio which comprises 85 companies.

Serena Ventures is regarded her dream empire, which spans investments in technology, beauty, health and wellness, finance, sports and media production.

The 23-time grand slam champion and mother of Olympia and Adira also boasts claim to penning a children’s book, titled “The adventures of Qai Qai.”
Add to those extraordinary accomplishments, the 44-year-old recently acquired part ownership of the Toronto Tempo basketball team. It is the first Canadian WNBA entry.

“I have always drawn inspiration from the powerful women in my life — from my mom, sisters, daughters to the doll in my toy box growing up,” she said. “Now I’m thrilled to be honored alongside this incredible group of female change-makers as part of the Dream Team.”

Williams is revered by her brand. She will join other distinguished Mattel representatives for an immersive experience exploration of the Mattel brand from March 27-29 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

That a single, blonde-haired, plastic, play-thing, priced at $3 would emerge a symbol of pride for generations might not have been an initial, purposeful intent by the corporation. However, since its debut, hundreds of iterations have assisted in bolstering the ambitions and aspirations of youngsters throughout the world by profiling professions, stature, race and class.

It must be noted that throughout the company’s history, the first Black Barbie doll proved elusive, until 1980. Although conceptualized in 1968 — when a Civil Rights Movement emboldened change in American politics — it took another decade before a darker pigmented toy emerged to represent the African population.

Reportedly, that year a version featuring a Black doll was introduced as only a ‘friend’ to the popular fictional character.

And while her likeness to millions of unrepresented youths enticed additional buyers, it took almost another two decades to introduce an independent, companion Black Barbie doll. Seemingly, by implementing that bold adjustment the company reaped additional profits from consumers perhaps triggering progressive productions to reflect a variety of hair colorations.

Economists are now claiming that more than100 Barbie dolls are sold every minute.

With skin-toned, plastic, paint and fashionably tailored outfits, numerous career fields have credited the brand’s impact on influencing young girls.

Accompanied by tools to various crafts, Barbie has promoted professions related to astronauts, presidential candidates, Olympians, doctors, aviators, spies, teachers, veterinarians, coaches, chefs, actresses, babysitters, lifeguards, computer scientists, flight attendants, architects, artists, athletes, television  anchors, floral designers, fire fighters, pilots, rock stars, detectives, nurses, tennis players, models etc.

Totaling approximately 250 career pathways, there’s even an autistic and LGBTQ Barbie doll. Barbie has become such a phenomenon that she was even the star of a 2023 movie.

More than a few consumers have marveled the trendsetting aspect of each new creation, but because of her petite imagery, others have debated the viability of overweight girls ever able to identify with promoted items.

Regardless, children seem to relate to the distinctive female product and collectors relentlessly clamor to the brand. Reportedly, a single Barbie doll could be valued at figures exceeding quarter of a million dollars. Priceless!

As for IWD, its adoption in 1977 during Women’s History Month celebrates achievements, advocacy, gender equality and the dismantling of antiquated perceptions. This year’s theme promotes ‘rights, justice, action.’

From now until the clock falls back on Nov. 1 and beyond that Sunday, proponents of the gender aim to honor the excellence of girls and women throughout the world.

Unsung hero: Coachman, the 1st Black female Olympic gold winner in the world

Alice Coachman is not a household name.

Fact is, a majority of column readers may not be familiar with the Hall of Fame, Tuskegee graduate who was presented an Olympic gold medal by England’s King George VI.

There’s a reason for the preponderance of ignorance, as schools fail to include Black History to the curriculum. However, history records a few details pertaining to Black achievement and Coachman should be remembered for being the first Black female from the United States to win an Olympic gold medal.

Her claim to fame manifested during the 1948 Olympic games in London when Coachman leapt 5 feet 6 1/8 inches over a cross bar to win the high jump competition.
Not only was Coachman a champion for the Black community in America, but her successful victory established her the only female Olympic gold medal winner based anywhere in the world.

As a matter of fact, she was the only woman from these United States to take home the coveted prize.

“If I had gone to the games and failed, there wouldn’t be anyone to follow in my footsteps,” Coachman reportedly said.

“It encouraged the rest of the women to work harder and fight harder,” the unsung heroine said.

Of course in her statement she was referencing Black women in particular because Jim Crow rules prevailed throughout her Georgia State and conditions for Blacks were not much better North (upsouth), East, West, or anywhere in America.

“I made a difference among Blacks,” she added.

At the time, female athletes were barely regarded assets to Team USA. And being Black then, the perception was that she was not worthy of inclusion.

Another footnote to her contribution should resonate: Her interest in sports was not encouraged — not even by her father.

According to documented proof, Coachman practiced running on dirt roads — often on barefoot. She also had to create her own equipment in order to facilitate high jumping.

One can only imagine the locker room mimicry she endured and perhaps suppressed. After winning, instead of a glorious welcome home, on return she faced resentment and discrimination. In this space, we honor her achievement and contribution.

Coachman was a champion/athlete, a determined Black woman, and a role model who dared to challenge pervasive bigotry.

Despite numerous obstacles she conquered the limits to track and field sports in America. An unsung hero, Coachman died in 2014 at age 90.

Catch you On the Inside!