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DECEMBER 2006: Prof. Gayle McKinney Griffith
Location: Berlin, Germany
Occupation: Co-founder/director of Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre, Black International Cinema
Status: Married
Children: 2 (Donald Muldrow McKinney Griffith II
Khadija Tarjan McKinney Griffith)
Professor Gayle McKinney Griffith has built a life around her love of the arts and is using that passion to inspire others.She began her career studying at the renowned Julliard School in New York. She went on to become the first Ballett Mistress and Soloist in the original Dance Theatre of Harlem. Expanding beyond dance, Professor McKinney Griffith is the co-founder and director of both the Fountainhead Tanz Theatre and the Black International Cinema Festival. Elegant, graceful, dedicated and dynamic Gayle McKinney Griffith is the DivaSoulSista of the Month.
1. What is your biggest accomplishment?
I feel accomplished when I can find a balance in my career and caring for my family both immediate and extended family on two continents.
2. Name your favorite movie.
As co-founder of Black International Cinema and given the wealth of excellent independent, foreign and documentary films – I find it difficult to choose one particular favorite. My husband and I have also created films that I find quite excellent, such as “A Man Without Limits” and “I Dream A World.”
3. Describe your personal diva style.
I like to look elegant and feel comfortable.
4. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Never Give Up!
5. You look mah-valous! What is your secret??
It’s important to take care of my health with regular checkups, a balanced diet, as well as maintaining positive and productive thoughts.
6. What's one dream you look forward to having come true?
A very important dream of mine is to contribute and witness the events in my children’s future success, prosperity and long life in a more peaceful and humane world.
7. If a movie were made about your life, what actress would play you and who would be your leading man?
My daughter is an aspiring actress/dancer and she would be perfect. Finding the right leading man to portray my husband would be difficult. I’ll let my daughter choose.
8. What 3 adjectives would your best friend use to describe you?
Patient, Personable, Focused
9. What makeup/beauty essential can you absolutely positively not live without?
Lipstick
10. What’s playing on your CD or MP3 player right now?
Luther Vandross
11. What is one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I would like the world to know more about the accomplishments, I’m proud to have contributed to, namely Fountainhead® Tanz Theatre, Black International Cinema, The Collegium – Forum & Television Program and Cultural Zephyr e.V.. These organizations create platforms and forums for artists, academics and the general public to disseminate talent, inform and share aspirations requiring exposure toward an improved understanding and cooperation among cultures.
12. What, in your opinion, is the formula for success?
Organized, focused hard work, perseverance and support
13. What motivates you?
The fact that through talent and artistry, I can achieve constructive avenues for a better world.
14. Complete this sentence: "One year from now I would like to...
continue enjoying my healthy progressive family and friends.
15. Sum up your personal philosophy.
There are four mottos that our organizations always profess:
"Mankind will either find a way or make one." - C.P. Snow
"I may not make it if I try, but I damn sure won´t if I don´t..." - Oscar Brown Jr.
"Whatever you do..., be cool!" - Joseph Louis Turner
”Yes, I can…!” - Sammy Davis Jr.
Previous DivaSoulSista of the Month
Angelique: DivaSoulSista (November 2006)
Shelia Goss: DivaSoulSista (October 2006)
Nicole Sharpley: DivaSoulSista (September 2006)
Tawanna Kelley: DivaSoulSista (August 2006)
Caren Lewis: DivaSoulSista (July 2006)
Dana Ross: DivaSoulSista (June 2006)
Anya Adams: DivaSoulSista (May 2006)
Ebony Jackson: DivaSoulSista (April 2006)
Kali-Ahset Amen: DivaSoulSista (March 2006)
Shelia Chadwick: DivaSoulSista (February 2006)
Lisa Moten: DivaSoulSista (January 2006)
