Colored Francie, introduced by Mattel one year after the release of the caucasian counterpart cousin, represented a shift towards diversity within the iconic brand intending to promote inclusivity. However, the darker version faced backlash from certain parents who argued that a Black doll could not be considered family and was discontinued a year later, highlighting the challenges of representation in the toy industry during that period.

Other versions of black dolls, including Black Barbie herself, have been more successful. In 1997 Black Francie was reproduced for the first time, and…