The Spartanburg City Council will officially honor trailblazing fashion designer Kitty Black Perkins by designating Beacon Street as an honorary roadway. The city will unveil the new "Kitty Black Perkins Boulevard" sign alongside the existing Beacon Street sign on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

Ms. Black Perkins was born at 444 Beacon Street to Luther and Helen Goode Black, growing up alongside her six siblings in Spartanburg's Highland Neighborhood. After graduating from Carver High School in 1967, she relocated to Los Angeles to pursue an education and career in fashion design. She went on to work for Mattel Toys for 28 years, breaking barriers to become the first and only Chief Designer of Fashions and Doll Concepts for Mattel’s Barbie line prior to her retirement in 2004.

During her career, Ms. Black Perkins created thousands of designs and accessories that fundamentally advanced Barbie’s global brand. Her work included the introduction of the first Black Barbie, as well as the Shani and Friends, Holiday Barbie, and Fashion Savvy Barbie lines.

“I have wonderful memories of growing up with my siblings in the Highland Neighborhood,” said Ms. Black Perkins. “This community helped mold me, which gave me the courage to pursue my dreams.”

The honorary designation was recommended to the City Council by Councilmember Janie Salley (District 5). “This is a meaningful acknowledgment of the Black family’s presence and impact on the Highland Neighborhood. Kitty’s accomplishments serve as an inspiration to each of us,” said Councilmember Salley.

This recognition follows another local tribute in October 2025, when the Spartanburg County Public Libraries opened the Kitty Black Perkins Maker Lab within the Planetarium Learning Center at the Downtown Headquarters Library.

“We are very proud of our relationship with Kitty. I am grateful to Councilmember Salley for bringing Kitty’s name forward,” said County Librarian Todd Stephens.

Community members and media partners are invited to attend the unveiling ceremony on October 27.

Image - Kitty Black Perkins on Beacon Street, 1963. To provide clarity, this photo was enhanced using imaging tools.