The Black Doll Affair Launches the ME Doll:

An Heirloom for Humanity

Atlanta, GA — The Black Doll Affair, the Presidential Volunteer Service Award–recognized cultural arts and self-esteem movement founded by Dana “Mama Doll” Hill, announces ME X You, a global artistic initiative centered on the Black Doll Affair ME Doll.

The ME Doll transforms the shared origin of humanity into a tangible educational artifact — inviting artists, families, and communities to tell the oldest story on Earth.

What Does ME Mean?

ME stands for Mitochondrial Eve — the African woman from whom all living humans trace their maternal lineage.

She was not the only woman alive in her time.
She is the one whose mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) continues unbroken in every person alive today.

This shared maternal origin means humanity is one family.

The Black Doll Affair ME Doll turns this scientific truth into a physical heirloom designed to spark conversation, restore historical context, and build connection across generations.

Why the ME Doll Was Created

The ME Doll is an evolution of The Black Doll Affair’s long-standing work addressing the legacy of the Doll Tests — studies in which Black dolls were labeled “bad,” “ugly,” or less preferred.

“Mitochondrial Eve (ME) is more than a doll,” says Hill. “She is a human family heirloom and educational artifact created to narrow the distance between us and dismantle the false divisions racism depends on.”

Through science, storytelling, and art, the ME Doll restores origin and reframes identity.

ME Doll: Bestowed, Not Bought

In alignment with The Black Doll Affair’s philanthropic programming Be a Doll, Give a Doll, the ME Doll is a keepsake bestowed, not bought.

A flat shipping contribution supports ceremonial preparation and passage to each recipient’s Dollhouse.

Each ME Doll arrives veiled — her face a blank canvas — inviting the recipient to unveil her and interpret humanity through art.

ME X You: The Artistic Invitation

ME X You is a direct call to painters, muralists, illustrators, sculptors, mixed-media artists, designers, educators, and visual storytellers.

Artists are invited to interpret humanity through the Black Doll Affair ME Doll.

Upon receiving their doll, participants:

• Unveil her
• Paint or adorn her
• Transform her through their own artistic language
• Share their completed work using #YOUPaintME

There is no required style, medium, or aesthetic.

The ME Doll is a keepsake blank truth.

The vision is yours.

PAINT ME: Curated Artist Collaborations

Select artists will be invited to participate in PAINT ME, a curated collaboration forming the 2026 Gallery of ME — a year-long digital exhibition across social platforms.

By-invitation PAINT ME gatherings will bring artists together for legacy-centered conversations and creative exchange.

How to Participate in ME X You

• Get ME: HERE - The ME Doll is bestowed not bought. At checkout you’ll pay $25.00 for preparation and shipping.

• Create ME
  Unveil and paint your vision.

• Share ME
  Post using #YOUPaintME

• Follow ME
  #iamMEiam

Ready to Participate?

Serious artists may apply here.