At the Ron Brown Scholar Program, we often say that our Scholars shape the future—but they also rewrite history. That’s precisely what Aaliyah N. Williams (RBS 1998) has done with her work as a producer on Black Barbie. This groundbreaking documentary just won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Documentary (Television).
Now streaming on Netflix, Black Barbie tells the story of the first Black Barbie doll, a story far richer and more complex than many realize. Through first-person accounts of Black women who worked at Mattel, including the legendary Kitty Black Perkins, and commentary from cultural icons like Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Gabourey Sidibe, Black Barbie explores how representation—or the lack of it—shapes self-image, beauty standards, and imagination itself.
The film, produced by Aaliyah alongside Shondaland and director Lagueria Davis, isn’t just a documentary. It’s a love letter to Black women and a celebration of Black creativity and resilience—the same spirit that drives many Ron Brown Scholars.
“I am so thrilled that the tremendous work and love that went into making BLACK BARBIE has been honored in such a meaningful way. It is also a testament to the impact and legacy of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. I am forever grateful for the 2005 Ron Brown Scholar Conference that was held in the Berkshires and focused on Arts & Entertainment. It was at that conference that I made a meaningful connection to the late writer James L. White who encouraged me to leave my job at American Express and find my path as a producer. James sent me a stack of screenplays and his mentorship on story and script development has served me well throughout my career. I also met Charles King who gave a fireside chat at the conference and who I would later have the incredible opportunity to help build the foundation of MACRO as a co-architect of MACRO’s digital studio. This award is a symbol of the power of Black creativity and mentorship. Thank you for recognizing this tremendous achievement.”
– Aaliyah Williams (RBS 2018) Founder & CEO of Just A Rebel
This win is more than a personal achievement for Aaliyah—it reflects the transformational leadership and cultural impact that Ron Brown Scholars are known for. Whether they are advancing innovation in science, fighting for social justice, or—as Aaliyah has done—changing the way we see ourselves through film, our Scholars push boundaries and lift their communities as they rise.
We are immensely proud of Aaliyah and all that Black Barbie represents. And we know that the next generation of Ron Brown Scholars is already dreaming, creating, and preparing to make their mark.
If you believe in the power of representation, storytelling, and leadership, we invite you to support the Ron Brown Scholar Program. Your gift helps us continue this legacy by investing in young leaders who will create the next generation of groundbreaking films, life-changing policies, and transformative innovations.
