The Maya Angelou Barbie is a tribute to the iconic poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist, and her impact on literature and social justice. Angelou is best known for her groundbreaking autobiography, "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," published in 1969, one of the first autobiographies by an African American woman to reach a wide audience. It covers her early years, highlighting themes of racism, identity, and resilience. She worked alongside leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, advocating for equality, using her platform to speak out against injustice and empower marginalized communities. In 2010, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest civilian honors in the United States.

Angelou joins a list of women honored in the Barbie Inspiring Women series, including singers Celia Cruz and Ella Fitzgerald, astronauts Sally Ride and Ellen Ochoa, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, tennis champions Venus Williams and Billie Jean King, and other athletes such as Sue Bird. In fashion, the collection is represented by Anna Sui. Dolls in other categories include Wilma Mankiller, Bessie Coleman, Madam C.J Walker,  Dr. Jane Goodall,  Ida B Wells, Maya Angelou, Isabel Allende, Maria Tallchief, Anna May Wong, Florence Nightingale, Amelia Earhart, Katherine Johnson, Helen Keller, and Frida Kahlo.