Lenny Kravitz is officially a Kenbassador. Here are 12 other Black men who deserve a Barbie doll, too

Lenny Kravitz is officially a Kenbassador. Here are 12 other Black men who deserve a Barbie doll, too

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Lenny Kravitz is officially a Kenbassador. Here are 12 other Black men who deserve a Barbie doll, too
Lenny Kravitz Barbie, Lenny Kravitz Barbie doll, Black barbie dolls, Black ken dolls theGrio.com
(Photos: Mia Ross/Barbie)

Lenny Kravitz joins LeBron James as Barbie’s second-ever Kenbassador. Here are other Black male stars we think should be added to the roster

Lenny Kravitz has officially been Barbiefied. Today, Barbie unveiled the latest addition to its Signature Kenbassadors Collection–a doll inspired by the “Fly Away” singer’s image and likeness. The Kravitz Collectible Doll draws inspiration from his iconic rockstar look, with a bronze-colored mesh cowl-neck tank and boot-cut denim jeans paired with a studded belt, boots, sunglasses, and his trademark locs.

“Barbie is an institution and as a kid growing up, I could not have imagined this,” Kravitz said, reacting to the news. “To be chosen by Mattel as a Kenbassador, only the second one in history, is an honor and absolutely surreal.” 

With his doll available online at major retailers and Mattel Creations for $70, Kravitz joins NBA star LeBron James, whose doll debuted in Barbie’s Signature Kenbassadors Collection, a series dedicated to recognizing men who have made an outsized impact on culture. Though Barbie introduced the first Ken doll in 1961, the brand’s first Black Ken doll did not come until 1981, though other Black male Barbies like Brad and Curtis were introduced in the 1970s. 

“As we continue to celebrate Ken’s 65th anniversary this year, we are incredibly excited to recognize Lenny Kravitz as the second honoree in our Barbie Signature Kenbassadors Collection,” Nathan Baynard, Vice President and Head of Barbie, Mattel. “From his genre-defying music to his fearless approach to personal style, Lenny uses his platform to champion individuality while empowering others to do the same. We’re proud to honor his lasting influence on style and culture through this doll, giving fans a new way to celebrate an artist whose authenticity continues to inspire generations.”

Over the years, Barbie has honored notable Black women like Serena Williams, Opal Lee, Whitney Houston, and more. So, as the brand continues to grow its Kenbassador, these are some of the Black male icons we think should be considered. 

Prince 

MIAMI GARDENS, FL – FEBRUARY 04: Prince performs during the “Pepsi Halftime Show” at Super Bowl XLI between the Indianapolis Colts and the Chicago Bears on February 4, 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Denzel Washington

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 13: Denzel Washington attends the Los Angeles special screening of Apple Original Films and A24’s “Highest 2 Lowest” at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on August 13, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images)

Stevie Wonder 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 18: Stevie Wonder performs during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Andre Leon Talley 

SAVANNAH, GA – NOVEMBER 02: Andre Leon Talley speaks during ‘The Gospel According to AndrŽ’ Q&A during the 21st SCAD Savannah Film Festival on November 2, 2018 in Savannah, Georgia. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SCAD)

Kobe Bryant 

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 19: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles in the fourth quarter during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 19, 2009 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The Lakers won 108-93. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Barack Obama 

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JUNE 18: Former U.S. President Barack Obama stands on stage with daughter Sasha Obama during the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in John Lewis Plaza on June 18, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. Barack Obama served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017 and was the first African American to hold the office. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Michael Jackson

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 10: Michael Jackson performs on stage during is “HIStory” world tour concert at Ericsson Stadium November 10, 1996 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

 

Colman Domingo  

Kering Foundation's Fifth Annual Caring For Women Dinner
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 10: Colman Domingo attends the Kering Foundation’s Fifth Annual Caring For Women Dinner at The Pool on September 10, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for Kering Foundation) – Credit: Photo Noam Galai / Getty Images

Michael Jordan 

1990: Michael Jordan #23 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the game. Mandatory Credit: Ken Levine /Allsport

Spike Lee

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 28: Spike Lee poses for a portrait at the 28th SCAD Savannah Film Festival on October 28, 2025 in Savannah, Georgia. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SCAD)

Michael B. Jordan

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 15: Michael B. Jordan, winner of the Best Actor Award for “Sinners”, poses in the press room during the 98th Oscars at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Pharrell 

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 09: Pharrell Williams attends the “Piece By Piece” New York Premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on October 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)

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