 |
 |
|
|
June 2006: Dana Ross
Location: Pennsylvania
Occupation: Filmmaker, Author, Owner: purEquality Entertainment, LLC
Status: Married
Children: 1 daughter, pregnant with twin boys!
Dana Ross is the perfect DivaSoulSista for June - the month we celebrate fathers. While that might sound odd, let me explain. Dana is the author of Black Fatherhood: Reconnecting with Our Legacy. The book, and the companion documentary she's produced, focus on black men as fathers from slavery to the present. Dana presents a balanced look at fatherhood by highlighting positive black fathers and attempting to go beyond the negative images and investigating why so many other men have abandoned this important role. Most recently, Dana has taken her passion for the black family even further and on June 18th, she is launching the weekly internet radio show "Our Families. Our Communities," which can be heard on www.nbbta.org. Her website is http://www.purequality.com.
1. What is your biggest accomplishment?
My biggest accomplishment is becoming a mother after being told I could never have children.
2. Name your favorite movie.
I have 30 or more favorite films it’s hard to choose one…lol. However, my top two would be “An Imitation of Life” and “The Learning Tree”.
3. Describe your personal diva style.
I definitely possess the Determined Diva style and mindset. I find ways to make the impossible happen and never take no for an answer!
4. What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
The best piece of advice I received was from my father. He told me to never entertain ignorance. I keep this advice near and dear to my daily practice. It helps me to focus on my goals.
5. You look mah-valous! What is your secret?
Currently, I’m five months pregnant with twin boys so I would have to say prenatal yoga, prenatal vitamins, lots of water and Magia Bella cream (for stretch marks).
6. What's one dream you look forward to having come true?
I would love to see me and my husband successfully nurture and raise our children to be self-confident, strong and productive adults.
7. If a movie were made about your life, what actress would play you and who would be your leading man?
This is a fun question…I would choose Regina King, Robin Givens (yes I said Ms. Givens) or Kimberly Elise to play me. As for the leading man I would cast either Blair Underwood or Terrence Howard.
8. What 3 adjectives would your best friend use to describe you?Outgoing, determined, comedian
9. What makeup/beauty essential can you absolutely positively not live without?
My Neutrogena facial products and good ‘ol Vaseline!
10. What’s playing on your CD or MP3 player right now?
Frankie Beverly & Maze, Rufus and Chaka Khan, Earth Wind & Fire, Mos Def, Mandrill, Santana, Bootsy Collins and The Ohio Players. (I’m a true product of the 70’s!)
11. What is one thing you wish more people knew about you?
I’m a shy, private person – despite my outgoing persona…lol.
12. What, in your opinion, is the formula for success?
Keeping God first in your life – let go and let Him take care of your obstacles and battles. I firmly believe in this it has worked for me time and time again! Also it’s important to stay grounded, humble, focused and surrounded by positive friends and family members at all times.
13. What motivates you?
My ancestors. In particular my great-great-great grandfather whom was enslaved and yet still managed to successfully purchase and oversee over 300 acres of land which my family still owns and farms on to this day. If he could accomplish that while living in an era which practiced the harshest treatment one race of human beings could ever bestow upon another, then fast forwarding to the year 2006 where I will never encounter an eighth of the treatment (obstacles) he faced; the sky should truly be my only limitation in life! When I look at it from that perspective, it seems trivial to entertain excuses as to why I can’t be motivated to accomplish my goals.
14. Complete this sentence: "One year from now I would like to...
have completed and shown my first documentary “Black Fatherhood: Reconnecting With Our Legacy”, start pre-production on my first feature film and publish my second book.
15. Sum up your personal philosophy.
Be true to yourself – never dismiss your inner voice or close your third eye. You can accomplish anything once you get out of your own way and learn to trust and believe in yourself!
Previous DivaSoulSista of the Month
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)
