The Barbie doll is a cultural icon that has been both celebrated and criticized for its impact on girls’ development. This paper examines how Barbie is used as a medium and message in the art of black women artists. Engaging with Julia Kristeva’s intertextuality, I argue that Barbie is not simply a toy, but rather a complex symbol that can be used to explore issues of race, gender, and beauty. The paper begins by discussing the history of the Barbie doll and its role in American culture. I then turn to the work of three black women artists who have used Barbie in their art: Cee Scott, Sheila Pree Bright, and Lauren Kelley. These artists use Barbie to explore a variety of themes, including racism, sexism, and body image. Through Judith Wilson’s black feminist visual theory, I argue that the work of these artists is important because it challenges the traditional view of Barbie as a harmless toy for African American girls. I conclude by arguing that Barbie art by contemporary black women artists is an extension of girlhood Barbie play. They show how Barbie can be used to raise awareness of important social issues and to empower young girls.