Dana Hill, Recipient of Barack Obama’s Presidential Service Award
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about The Black Dolls, their affairs, and the Doll that initiated it all. The Black Doll Affair is headquartered in Atlanta, GA, and boasts members and leaders both nationally and internationally. The movement was initiated on December 07, 2007, following Dana Hill's viewing of a "Doll Test" on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Fondly known as "Mama Doll," she cherishes this nickname, given to her by her members, The Black Dolls, which comprises Black women, their Porcelain Pals (non-Black supporters), and their Brothas (men of all races).
Founder of The Black Doll Affair, Mama Doll is available for speaking engagements. Text: (404) 660-7363
Keynote Speaking Career Highlights:
2017 Brown vs. Board 60th Anniversary Gala with Michelle Obama
Mama Doll was honored to be selected by The Brown Foundation for Educational Equity Excellence and Research as the "60th Anniversary National Dialogue presenter" at the tribute dinner marking the 60th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education. Following Carolyn Maull (McKinstry), the '5th little girl' from the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, where white supremacists tragically bombed the church, I had the privilege of delivering a speech. Additionally, we had the pleasure of hearing from Honorary Black Doll Brotha Danny Strong, an Emmy award-winning actor and writer renowned for co-creating the Fox TV series Empire and writing the screenplay for the acclaimed 2013 film "The Butler," starring Forrest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey.
2020 Barbie on the Pulse
Mattel extended a special invitation to Mama Doll, inviting her to take center stage as a keynote speaker and consultant to Barbie doll designers. At the critical juncture of Brianna Taylor and George Floyd’s death, Mama Doll seized the opportunity to address the designers, passionately urging them to tackle the pressing issue of racial inequality in policing. This event marked a historic milestone, culminating in the groundbreaking Barbie Vlog titled "Barbie and Nikki Discuss Racism," which brought together Black and White dolls to engage in a candid conversation about race. This dialogue not only contributed to essential conversations across the nation but also went viral, sparking widespread online commentary.
Pictured below: Mama Doll & Barbie!
In partnership with industry giants like Mattel (Barbie brand) and Macy's, alongside the steadfast support of its dedicated members, The Black Doll Affair (TBDA) continues to expand its reach and impact in community outreach. TBDA's unwavering commitment to reshaping the perception of black girls and women, both in how they are viewed by society and how they perceive themselves, is gaining increasing recognition and momentum.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale - Associates Degree: Broadcasting
Lynn University Boca Raton - Bachelor of Arts Degree: Journalism
Seen in Oprah Magazine (March 2019) and Essence Magazine (June 2019) and featured in Prince Harry & Princess Meghan's royal wedding special (May 2018) - The Story of The Royals, produced for television by Time, People and ABC.
To name a few, Honorary Dolls brought on board by Mama Doll are as follows: Civil Rights icons Linda & Cheryl Brown (Brown vs Board of Education); actress Gabriel Union; history making Principle Ballerina Misty Copeland; the world's most beloved doll - Barbie; diversity activist April Reign; Broadway and Hollywood Actor Taye Diggs; and Emmy Award Winner Danny Strong, co-creator of "Empire" and writer of the screenplay "The Butler." Local Atlanta Honorary members include: CBS News Anchor Sharon Reed; Philanthropist and Radio Personality Wanda Smith; Former Georgia State Representative Margaret Kaiser; Georgia State Senator Nan Orrock and William L. Hawthorne, III, Esq, Chief Equity Officer City of Atlanta. With the black heart as the icon in our logo, members of The Black Doll Affair are a group of philanthropists devoted to giving back to "The Doll in the mirror, the Doll next door, and the the guys, dolls and baby dolls in our community."
Photo: 43rd U.S. President George W. Bush & Honorary Black Doll Cheryl Brown Henderson, Brown vs. Board of Education.
Annually during the Christmas season, Mama Doll works with her Ambassadoll leaders in cities across the United States. They gather to host self-esteem summits and Black Doll giveaways at 1:00 pm, in all time zones, on the first Saturday in December.
2001
Created The Big Time Talent Show (TBTTS). Hosted by Dana & her guest host, Tito Puente, Jr., this was a night of musicians arriving to a Grammy Award style show. Talent chosen by Dana arrived in limousines to screaming fans and local paparazzi - all orchestrated by Dana. Displaying their talents to A&R reps from who had yet to take notice. Motown, Billboard Live, Dreamworks, Island Def Jams, Interscope Geffen A&M, WEA Latina, Universal, Slip N Slide, and Hidden Beach Recordings. 3 ACTS went on to to stardom: Metal Militia Antonia Jenae (Joss Stone band), Lauren Jelencovich (Yanni) and Flexx (Music Producer - Lil Wayne)
2010
Honored on stage, along with Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, with the "Spirit of Sweet Auburn Legends, Heroes, & Heroines" Award.
2012
Recognized as a Nominee for the Living Legacy Award by the Association for the Study of African American Life & History, Inc.
2014
Brown vs. Board of Education Gala with Michelle Obama. Key Note Speaker
2016
Received the Certificate of Appreciation by St. Jude's Children's Research.
2019
With Nancy Pelosi as the special guest speaker and the event dedicated to honoring the women of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) due to her recognition as a "Champion Addressing Issues of Interest to Black Women and Girls," Mama Doll received an invitation to a dinner in Washington, DC. This event marked the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Sojourner Truth Legacy Project. In Mama Doll's absence, her DC Ambassadolls represented beautifully.
2022
In an endeavor to reshape the way adults embrace play, Mama Doll founded The Black & White (B&W) Doll Party of Tacoma, a subsidiary club of The Black Doll Affair. This club serves as a joyous celebration of dollfriends that goes beyond the limitations of skin color, encapsulated in the slogan: 'Dollfriends beyond the color of skin.'
Professional Boards
Tacoma Business Council
To make her new Tacoma, WA playground a safer place, Mama Doll joined this board to collaborate with other business owners, the Mayor, City Manager, City Council, Chief of Police, and the media to develop solutions for addressing crime.
Sisters of Promise
Mama Doll, along with former WSB-TV Anchor Woman Monica Kaufman Pearson and other prominent philanthropists and socialites in Atlanta, was nominated and became a Founding Board Member on Susan G. Komen of Atlanta's "Sisters of Promise" Board. This board's primary purpose is to raise awareness about the alarming breast cancer rates among Black women through fundraising and development efforts.
PRINT & BOOKS
As seen in Essence Magazine, Ms. Heel Magazine, Oprah Magazine, Vanity Fair, Sheen Magazine and Vogue.
Mama Doll/The Black Doll Affair included in "African American Psychology" From Africa to America - a second edition college level manual by Sage Publications.
Diverse Group Leaving Corporate World
Mama Doll is a featured Philanthropist in "Reflections of Style - A Philanthropic Glance at the Arts by Dr. Courtney A. Hammonds - Pages 20-23.
TV/DVDs
The Black Dolls," as featured on the ABC Prime Time Live Special, are now showcased in "The Story of The Royals," a 4-hour television event examining the evolution of the British Royal Family and the transformative impact of Meghan Markle, the first bi-racial American, on the British Monarchy. This presentation is brought to you by People Magazine and Time, Inc. You can find it on Amazon and at retailers selling DVDs.
Reporter - Decco Drive Fox Miami
Radio Experience
ESPN Sports Radio Anchor - "Chicks on Radio" Show.
Tom Joyner Morning Show: Mama Doll's interview was so popular, Tom made it a rerun while away on his annual TJMS cruise benefiting his Foundation.
Mama Doll on Atlanta's V-103FM Ryan Cameron Show with Wanda Smith
Mama Doll on the Frank & Wanda Show
Empowering Girls: CBS Atlanta's Sharon Reed and The Black Dolls
Public Relations
Director of Marketing & Publicity for NFL Hall of Fame Athlete Dan Marino
Owner /Operator of Hill Girl, Inc. Marketing & PR Firm, Boca Raton
Times Square Billboard Spokesmodel Stunt
Founded The Black Doll Affair out of her kitchen and brought on some of Hollywood's biggest names from diversity influencers such as Honorary Black Doll April Reign, who created the influential hashtag #oscarssowhite, to icons of Civil Rights Movements such as Linda & Cheryl Brown of Brown vs. Board of Education.
Highlights
Named "Most Likely to give Oprah a Run for Her Money" by my college peers.
Founded The Black Doll Affair - a self-esteem movement supported by the world’s largest toy maker, Mattel, and department store, Macy’s
The Black Doll Affair received Congressional Recognition by Congressman John Lewis.
Proclamation of The Black Doll Affair Day in Georgia by Atlanta Councilman Kwanza Hall & Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue.
Pictured: The Black Dolls as seen on page 87 in Oprah Magazine
To secure The Black Dolls' place in pop culture, Mama Doll created The Black Doll Affair "Magazine Experiences" program. Magazine Experiences was created to for The Black Dolls, unlikely models, to appear in top magazines such as Oprah, Essence, Vogue and more!
Influence
The Black Doll Affair is the largest consumer group of toy black dolls, specifically Barbie dolls. Hence, our sponsorship/partnership with Mattel, Inc.
With 40 New Dolls, 7 new body types, 11 skin tones and 28 new hairstyles, before rolling out their all new "Barbie Fashionistas" line - the most diverse and inclusive line in the history of the Barbie doll - Mattel requested a screen-time meeting with Mama Doll and her team. They wanted feedback on the line before roll-out and consulted with her on changes we desired. We loved the new line! Finally, our consumer influence gave us a seat at the table. What Mama Doll didn't see in the screen-meeting was a doll with an Afro. The darkest doll in the new line had silky straight hair. She challenged Mattel to give that doll an Afro or create another with an Afro. One season after the Barbie® Fashionistas line was available in retail stores, Barbie Fashionistas Tropi-Cutie Doll #59 was presented to the world. That doll has become the most donated doll to The Black Doll Affair and, therefore, one of Mattel's highest selling African American dolls. Due to their popularity at the retail level, today, the African American Fashionista Barbie dolls are being rolled out with braids and locks and afro puffs . . . oh my!
Mattel consults with Mama Doll/The Black Doll Affair for celebratory festivities for Barbie 60th Anniversary, then gives The Black Doll Affair permissions to host 60th Anniversary birthday party for Barbie in Atlanta, GA and across USA.
Across the nation, in 2011 Macy's Department stores Celebrated Eunice Johnson / The Ebony Fashion Show. Mama Doll loved the idea so much, in each city where there was a Black Doll Affair and a Macy's, we promoted the event. Our online influence around the nation garnered the attention of William Hawthorne, Macy's Senior Vice President at the time. Seeing and being impressed by my team's online promotion, via a partnership in diversity, he invited The Black Doll Affair for a seat at the Macy's table.
The Atlanta Publicity Stunt That Started Mama Doll’s Career:
After graduating from college with a Broadcasting & Journalism Degree (1997) and to set herself apart from millions of recent graduates, Dana created a picket-style sign that read: "Student Loans Due Show Me the Money" - (Jerry Maguire ‘96.) She paired that sign with a black business suit and a stack of resumes. She then asked friends and family to make several phone calls to local news stations. Alerting news rooms of her first-ever marketing & publicity stunt and suggesting they send their cameras to the scene, by the time news crews arrived, a Health South executive leaving her office for lunch had made Dana an offer for an entry level position at 30K a year. She took it!
Pretty...Philanthropic...
Philanthropic Partnerships Secured:
Atlanta Mission: My Sister's House, Atlanta Community Food Bank. Auburn Glenn Apartments, Black Gives Back, Books for Africa Department of Family & Children Services, Great Heights Foster Care, Habitat For Humanity, the Nicholas House, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, The Mad Housers and Together We Rise.
Additional Helpful Links: