BASKING RIDGE, N.J., January 10, 2005 -- Life-like, bendable 12" dolls based on the inspirational African-American role models Underground Railroad heroine Harriet Tubman and Bessie Coleman, America's first female black pilot, are available from Girls Explore(TM) LLC.

The Girls Explore line of dolls highlights exceptional female role models, each doll accompanied by a hard-cover biography. See http://www.girls-explore.com.

"True stories of courage, gusto and determination can encourage girls to reach for the stars, and explore their own limitless possibilities," says Girls Explore founder and CEO, Ms. Randy L. Allen.

Harriet Tubman achieved fame by leading hundreds of slaves to freedom in the 1850s, helping them navigate a series of safe houses known as the Underground Railroad.

Bessie Coleman attained a pilot's license in France when no American flight school would accept a black female. "Queen Bessie" gained fame in the 1920s performing tricks at air shows, lecturing, and by opening a flight school that did not discriminate.

"More than ever, young African American girls need and deserve real role models," said Antoinette D. Wright, President and CEO of the DuSable Museum, Chicago, Illinois, which carries the reality dolls in its gift shop. "Black History Month is the perfect time to celebrate trailblazing black women who led rich and varied lives."

Although Harriet Tubman was an illiterate runaway slave, she used her gritty determination to become known as the 'Moses of the colored people.' Over and over again, she outwitted authorities and guided over 100 slaves to freedom during her 19 courageous return trips to the South. Slave owners offered thousands of dollars for her capture, but Harriet always eluded them, ensuring her legacy.

Born in rural Texas in 1892, Bessie Coleman became fascinated by planes while reading about the air war in Europe. She was the first African American to earn an international pilot's license. She had to master French, scrape together money, and travel to Paris to realize her dream. Ultimately, Coleman helped other women and African Americans overcome poverty, prejudice and injustice. Thousands mourned Coleman's death in 1926.

Each Girls Explore doll set sells for $65 and is available at http://www.girls-explore.com. A portion of the company's profits supports girls' education and the advancement of women in all fields.