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Barbie, the beloved doll with a rich history spanning over six decades, is once again in the spotlight. This time, the focus isn’t just on fashion and accessories but on a compelling story of diversity and inclusivity. In an exciting development, Shondaland and Netflix have secured the worldwide rights to Black Barbie, a documentary that unveils the captivating history of the first Black Barbie doll.

The year 1980 marked a significant milestone in the Barbie universe when the first Black Barbie doll was introduced. Directed by Lagueria Davis, the groundbreaking documentary delves into the journey of three extraordinary Black women at Mattel who played an instrumental role in making this historic moment possible.

Debuting as a work-in-progress cut at the SXSW festival, the film garnered widespread acclaim from both the audience and industry experts. This success paved the way for prominent figures to come on board as producers. As part of Shondaland’s ongoing partnership with Netflix, Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers will serve as executive producers for this enlightening project.

Davis, deeply connected to this project, expressed her personal journey, saying, “Telling Black Barbie’s story has been such a personal journey, and it warms my heart to celebrate the legacy of my aunt Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby in our film. We couldn’t have asked for better collaborators than Shondaland and Netflix to bring this story to the world.”

The documentary promises to celebrate the remarkable impact of these three Black women at Mattel and their influence on the evolution of the Barbie brand as we know it. Through their captivating stories, the film delves into the history of how the first “Black Barbie” came to life in 1980, while also examining the profound importance of representation and how dolls can significantly shape one’s identity and imagination.

The Hollywood Reporter, alongside other esteemed media outlets, has praised the film with positive reviews. Not only does the documentary look back at the historical significance of the first Black Barbie, but it also addresses contemporary issues. It explores topics such as Barbie’s engagement in conversations on racism during the height of the 2020 protests and efforts to give “Black Barbie” her own stories.

The THR review notes, “Interesting as these subjects are, there’s a breathless quality to their unfolding here — an understandable effort to say as much as possible within a limited running time.”

“Black Barbie” joins the ranks of Barbie-related projects, following the massive success of Greta Gerwig’s live-action Barbie movie, which has already grossed an impressive $1.4 billion and counting at the box office.

In a world where diversity and representation are increasingly vital, the “Black Barbie” documentary tells a crucial story that goes beyond the doll itself. It is a story of perseverance, change, and the profound impact that a few individuals can have on an entire industry. As we eagerly anticipate its release, let’s celebrate the legacy of Beulah Mae Mitchell, Kitty Black Perkins, and Stacey McBride Irby, and their remarkable contribution to the world of Barbie. Barbie is back, and this time, her story is more inclusive and inspiring than ever before.

Golda Rosheuvel has been acting for more than 20 years, and her talent has always been undeniable. Recently, however, she has been getting lots of attention for her role as Queen Charlotte in the new Netflix series, Bridgerton.

Rosheuvel was born in Guyana, but her family moved to the UK while she was growing up. In a Q&A with Shondaland, the British star revealed her favorite book is The Secret Garden and that she is “mad” for country music.

As Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton — Netflix’s fifth-biggest original series launch of all time — Golda Rosheuvel has earned rave reviews.

Her portrayal of the real-life queen has earned her praise from viewers and critics alike. Her ability to find the perfect balance between drama and comedy has helped her bring the character to life in ways many could have never imagined.

Rosheuvel told Glamour in January 2021 that Queen Charlotte was a role she never even dreamed about playing. “I just wasn’t represented. There weren’t people that looked like me playing roles like this,” she said. “But in terms of representation of color, it’s a beautiful, enriching time now. And Netflix is the perfect platform for a show like ours because it’s global. The audience can see themselves be represented. And I feel very, very blessed to be part of that.”

As the show continues to gain popularity, fans are anxiously awaiting the announcement that Bridgerton will be renewed for a second season. Keep reading for 10 things you didn’t know about Golda Rosheuvel.

 

1. She Comes From A Creative Family

Oftentimes when people are interested in the arts they find resistance from their loved ones who would prefer a more traditional path. Golda, however, was lucky to always have the support of her family. She told Broadway World, “I come from a very musical family: we’ve always sung, my father played instruments, my Mum was in an orchestra, my brother too. So it’s in the blood, I suppose!”

2. She Has Lots Of Theater Experience

Golda doesn’t have the most extensive on screen resume, but that doesn’t mean she’s lacking in experience. She has had a very successful theater career which includes roles in plays like Porgy and Bess, Romeo and Juliet, and The Winter’s Tale. She even portrayed Othello in a 2018 production of the play.

3. She Is A Lesbian

Golda is a proud lesbian and she understands the importance of representation of LGBTQ+ characters both on screen and on stage. She has played a gay character twice in her career. She is in a longterm relationship with a woman named Shireen Mula who is a writer..

4. She Found The Experience Of Playing Queen Charlotte To Be Empowering

One of the first things many viewers will notice when watching Bridgerton is that Queen Charlotte (Golda) is a woman of color. Although the queen’s true ethnicity remains somewhat of a mystery, there are many scholars who believe that she was, in fact, biracial.  Getting the chance to portray such an important part of history is something that is very meaningful to Golda. She told Insider, “It’s so empowering for an actress to have that background and that feeling that a person in the 1800s could have been fighting for her people and could have been fighting for representation.”

5. She Loves To Spread Positivity

Being a professional actress comes with a lot of ups and downs, but Golda has always refused to stay down for long. Golda does her best to maintain a positive attitude and she loves using her social media presence to spread positive messages to her followers.

6. She Is Very Active On Social Media

Golda may not have the largest social media following, but that has never stopped her from keeping her fans up to date with what she has going on. She’s very active on both Instagram and Twitter and she loves posting about her projects and some of her personal moments.

7. She Likes To Read

A love for performing wasn’t the only thing that was instilled in Golda from an early age. She also grew up in a household where a love for reading was instilled in her. As an adult, Golda continues to enjoy reading and she has a special place in her heart for poetry. Sometimes she even shares images of her favorite poems on social media.

8. She Loves Connecting With Her Fans

Golda understands the importance of building a strong relationship with her fans and she is grateful for the support they’ve shown her over the years. She loves getting the chance to interact with her fans and often uses social media as a means to do that. Now that her fan base is growing, there will be a whole new wave of people who are looking forward

Clearly Rosheuvel was born to play Queen Charlotte, and we can’t wait to see her in Season 2 of Bridgerton!

Sometimes it’s hard for us BAUCES to find time to relax and indulge ourselves in a good read. We’re busy women. When is the last time you sat down and actually read something—a book, for that matter? I know for myself that’s it’s definitely been a while. The biggest challenge I have had is finding books that I would actually enjoy reading. But what I have come to realize is that there is power in the written word and sometimes the most powerful thing you can do for yourself is take a timeout and read a book that leaves you invigorated and renewed to implement change in your life.

Career & Entrepreneurship

1) WERK 101 (2016) by Koereyelle DuBose

WERK 101 is for the modern-day woman who is looking to learn a few life lessons. Dubose gives the perfect advice that liberates and empowers all women.

2) Pretty & Educated (2016) by Jayla Koriyan

Pretty & Educated is the perfect guide for any college girl who is just starting on her journey. Jayla Koriyan, a YouTube vlogger who documents her life daily, gives you her two cents on what you should expect and prepare for in college. This includes time management, choosing a major, internships, dating, and more.

3) #GIRLBOSS (2015) by Sophia Amoruso

From hitchhiking to being broke beyond limits, Sophia Amoruso knows all too well what it means to be #selfmade. She took a nontraditional route to the top and with this book she doesn’t hold back from telling you how she got there.

4) The Little Back Book of Success (2010) by Elaine Meryl Brown, Marsha Haygood, and Rhondda Joy McLean

These women, who are highly successful in their careers, have gotten together to give you the how-to on being successful at any stage in your career. They help you learn the ins and outs of the ‘power game’, making sure that you never lose.

5) Successful Women Think Differently (2012) by Valorie Burton

In this book, Valerie strives to help women change their thought processes. As an author and certified coach, she knows all too well the importance our mindsets can have on our outlook of life. She breaks it down and helps you change the way you see your failures, fears, and self-control.

6) Year of Yes (2015) by Shonda Rhimes

Shonda Rhimes, in simple terms, is a powerhouse. Olivia Pope, Christina Yang, and Annalise Keating wouldn’t be the BAUCE women they are if it was not for Rhimes. In Year of Yes, Rhimes gives you the tea on how simply saying ‘yes’ made change happen in her life.

7) I’m Judging You (2016) by Luvvie Ajayi

Luvvie is an adoring internet blogger who often gives her take on the latest pop culture and gossip. In this book, she gives you advice on the right way to do ‘internet etiquette’. She helps us get it all the way together when it comes to digital media in this day and age.

8) We Should All Be Feminists (2015) by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

If you haven’t heard of her by now, this would be a good time to get acquainted with Ms. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Beyoncé quoted her in her hit song ‘Flawless’. We Should All Be Feminists is a rally to include everyone, including men, in the feminist movement.

Self-Improvement

9) Naked (2005) by Ayana Byrd and Akiba Solomon

Though it’s a little dated, these essays of what black women think about their bodies is compelling. This book tells the stories of several women from all walks of life including Iyanla Vanzant and Tracee Ellis Ross.

10) Freedom Is A Constant Struggle (2016) by Angela Y. Davis

For those of you who like a detailed reflection as well as comparison, this is a great read! Davis does a wonderful job of stressing the importance of feminism, race, and class, among several other things.

11) Black Lotus (2016) by Sil Lai Abrams

Black Lotus is a beautiful story of a woman, Sil Lai Abrams, and the finding of her true self. Sil Lai Abrams could always see the differences between her and her siblings, who all shared a Chinese immigrant mother and a white American father. She found when she was fourteen that the man she thought was her father, in all actuality, was not.

12) Milk and Honey (2015) by Rupi Kaur

Milk and Honey is a small but powerful book, divided into four distinct chapters. Each chapter uncovers a different pain and healing.  It is a collection of poetry that delve into different common yet painful experiences.

13) Salt (2013) by Nayyirah Waheed

Much like Milk and HoneySalt may have you racing through the first few pages or chapters. But, there is power in these short and sweet poems. Every BAUCE woman has experienced going through some sort of tragedy, Salt forces you to feel all of those emotions in an enlightening way.

14) Gentlewoman (2013) by Enitan O. Bereola II

This book is a little different from the rest, as it’s written by a man who teaches women how to be a ‘lady’. While some women may not want to take advice from a man on these types of things, Mr. Bereola II does a phenomenal job exploring femininity in this day and age.

15) The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl (2016) by Issa Rae

While some of us have wild and outspoken personality traits, a lot of us are introverted. In this book, Issa Rae tells us all about her life as an awkward black girl.

16) The Sisters Are Alright (2015) by Tamara Winfrey-Harris

This book explores all of the negative opinions and views that are being spewed out against black women. Many of these stereotypes are displayed in the media, for many people to see and comment on. She kills those prejudices with facts.

Relationships & Dating

17) I Had a Nice Time and Other Lies (2016) by The Betches

This book has become a guide for many women when it comes to dating. Let’s face it, oftentimes we are not as honest as we should be with ourselves and the person we’re dating. This book brings those truths to the forefront.

18) Letters To My Ex (2016) by Cici. B

Letters To My Ex was written for any woman who has loved a man who didn’t love them back the same.

“Remember when you met me? How happy I was? How I was always smiling and shit? I had just left my ex and was making moves on my own…”

Cici does a great job of making her work relatable to the reader. Every BAUCE woman has experienced heartache or two.

18) Another Brooklyn (2016) by Jaqueline Woodson

This novel follows four girls whose lives are far from a fairytale. Growing up in the tough streets of Brooklyn, New York, the girls are forced to deal with drugs, sexual predators, racism, poverty and a slew of other things. Jaqueline Woodson tells a story of young girls, with absentee parents, whose lives sit on a teeter-totter of joyous and hell-full. These women’s stories show how one can start at the bottom and maneuver their way to the top. #Selfmade.

19) Island of a Thousand Mirrors (2016) by Nayomi Munaweera

In this novel, Nayomi introduces us to two young women who are hopeful about their future. It is set in the beauty of Sri Lanka at one of its most troubling times.

20) The Sugar Daddy Formula (2014) by Taylor B. Jones

While this may not be of interest to many, The Sugar Daddy Formula is a guide for all sugar babies looking to get what they want. We are not suggesting you go get a sugar daddy, but Taylor B. Jones provides us with a good read and laugh with The Sugar Daddy Formula.

21) Everything I Never Told You (2015) by Celeste Ng

Everything I Never Told You is the story of an Asian American family living in small-town Ohio. The family is faced with a terrible tragedy and the struggles to keep their lives together become harder and harder each grieving day.

22) Men We Reaped (2014) by Jesmyn Ward

Within only four years, five men close to author Jesmyn Ward had died, all from different ailing circumstances. One from a drug overdose, another from an accident and even suicide. Ward takes a deeper look into the lives of these men and the contributing facts to their deaths, such as the lack of community support.

23) Blush (2016) By Cici. B

After a fresh break up, Cici lets us in on how she gets over it. Becoming the woman she is wouldn’t be possible without the support of her oh-so blunt friends. BAUCE women will enjoy the brutally honest relationship she shares with her friends and can learn a few things in the process!

24) Letters, To The Men I Have Loved (2014) by Mirtha Michelle Castro Marmol

Dominican-born poet and actress, Mirtha Michelle Castro, shows you just what it is like to be in and out of love. Through her use of poetry, you are able to feel her true and raw emotions.

25) What She Feels (2015) by Chidozie Osuwa

Osuwa drags the reader through an array of emotions. From love, heartache, and pain—this book forces you to look at your situations from a different point of view.

26) Sex Object (2016) by Jessica Valent

Valenti is a feminist who has been praised for over a decade for her work. In Sex Object, she goes over several experiences from her childhood that shaped her into the woman she is.

Fashion & Beauty

27) Face Value (2016) by Autumn Whitefield-Madrano

This book is deep. It touches on many things, including how science, media, and friendships can have an effect on how we describe what beauty is.

28) Love Style Life (2015) by Garance Dore

In this book, renowned blogger Garance Dore mixes warm words of wisdom with her stunning photography. She teaches you how to build a life that will reflect who you are!

29) You Can’t Touch My Hair (2016) by Phoebe Robinson

It’s 2016 and many of us are still finding ourselves saying this. Why is our hair treated like some sort of science exhibit? This book explores the external cultural phenomenon around black women’s hair.

30) Bobbi Brown Makeup Manual (2011) by Bobbi Brown

Bobbi Brown has been working in the makeup industry for years. She is dripping in the knowledge of makeup and its latest trends.

31) Make up: Your Life Guide (2014) by Michelle Phan

In this book, Michelle Phan gives away many of her beauty secrets. She’s most famous for her trusted beauty tutorials on YouTube. Her tips are hit for any BAUCE.

32) You’ll Grow Out of It (2016) by Jessi Klein

Jessi Klein’s journey to adulthood was not quite the easy one. She was a late bloomer and a tomboy. In her book, she tells all the stories from her childhood that are sure have you smiling.

33) The GlamTwinz Guide to Longer, Healthier Hair (2016) by Kelsy Murrell and Kendra Murrell

The GlamTwinz are huge on YouTube! In their book, they give advice on how to grow longer and healthier hair with short, and easy tips.

Health

34) Come As You Are (2015) by Emily Nagoski Ph.D.

Emily Nagoski explores the world of the female body. She drops some well-needed knowledge that is scientifically proven to improve your sex life.

35) Sacred Pampering Principles (1998) by Debrena J. Gandy

While this book was aimed at giving African-American women different options for pampering, and saving cash while doing it, it can be applied to every woman’s life! Gandy fills your mind with just the right amount of peace and balance. BAUCE women should pamper themselves without feeling ashamed of it!

36) The Fit Bottomed Girls Anti-Diet (2014) by Jennipher Walters

The Fit Bottomed Girls Anti-Diet could be your strategic way of loving your body and losing weight in the process. This guide will not only teach you to enjoy your workouts but will encourage a more positive attitude in the process.

37) Things No One Will Tell Fat Girls (2015) by Jes Baker

Hey—We’re not all a size 2 okay? And I for one have definitely struggled with my weight in the past.  In this book, Jes Baker tells it like it is! As a BBW herself, she knows what it’s like to be judged on her appearance. She rises above her naysayers and gives women the confidence and courage to feel proud of their bodies.

38) Heal Thyself for Health and Longevity (2012) by Queen Afua

Queen Afua encourages growth and development with the power of healing. Learn to get through life obstacles and truly learn from them.

Source: https://baucemag.com/list-of-girlboss-books/

 

 

Shonda Rhimes is on one of the eight covers for Elle‘s Women in Hollywood issue and the television producer – who is behind shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal – spoke about how she’s making TV that represents everyone, talking to her daughters about success and more.

Read excerpts below.

On her deal with Netflix: I keep hearing about how I got lured away as if somebody wagged a piece of candy in front of me. But really, it was me deciding I had a vision, and [Netflix’s chief content officer] Ted Sarandos shared that vision. I wanted to be able to decide what kind of shows we were going to make and how we were going to make them. So to have that kind of power has been an amazing experience so far. It’s also a little bit like Christmas because there’s a very ‘Yes, we can’ attitude. Almost so much that we have to be careful what we ask for, like, ‘Don’t ask for the moon, because they will build you the moon.’

On making shows with representation:It’s hugely important, but I didn’t know how conscious it was until I was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame. I was trying to figure out my speech, and I realized it was about how you cannot be what you cannot see. I talked about having grown up watching Oprah every single day of my life. How this was a woman of color, who did not look a certain way, who was [based in] Chicago, and who took over the world through television, basically. When I started writing TV shows, I wanted to represent everybody, because it should look like the real world. It should feel normal when you turn on the television and see people who look like you.

On what she tells her daughters about success: For a long time, my oldest daughter thought I was a doctor, because I was always at work, and it was a hospital. Now she’s 16, so she doesn’t think that anymore. My little ones are six and four and think there’s a land called Shonda. They don’t really understand how it relates to their mother, but it’s nice that they understand that women go to work and enjoy it and that you can have a business and be in charge.

For more from Shonda, visit  Elle.com!

Credit: Bella Naija

The Nigerian author has given us countless, cackle-worthy gems via her blog AwesomelyLuvvie.com, and it looks like her humor and candid wisdom will be making its way to television.

Shonda Rhimes‘ production company, Shondaland and ABC Signature Studios have acquired the rights to Luvvie’s New York Time’s Best Seller I’m Judging You: The Do Better Manual with plans to adapt the book into a CABLE comedy series.

Shonda has been a long time fan of Luvvie, and appreciates her wit and insight just as much as the rest of us.