Dana R Stevens
Mentor, Speaker, RP Coach
Defender of Justice
"I was walking back from church when three words changed my life forever!
These 3 Words
Welcome to Racism
In a world plagued by the insidious grip of racism, few are willing to confront its true nature. But within the pages of my gripping memoir, I invite you to embark on an extraordinary journey through the tapestry of my life, woven against the backdrop of Chicago.
"I have known Dana Stevens since 1994, and over those years,
I have watched him dedicate his life to his community.
He was the kind of man that would give the shirt off his back. Where no one saw the hurting person that stood as a mere shadow on the street corner, Dana did. Dana stopped for the one. Dana ministered healing words to a broken soul.
Other times, he would offer few dollars or even a phone call to help that person off the streets. He loved the people and the community deeply. He was, and still is, a fierce defender of
their civil rights. He regarded the lives of people of more value than his personal time and material goods. In return, the people loved him back even more because they knew he was the real deal. Where others were not welcomed in certain parts of the neighborhood, that same neighborhood would embrace him as family. Dana is in fact one of the most thoughtful, caring, compassionate people I know.
Gina S.
Chicago, IL.
Who I was to Who I am
My First 20 Years
My First 20 Years
My First 20 Years
I hail from rural southern Minnesota, a place where even with family dogs and cats, our population might barely reach 4,800! Graduating with just 67 classmates, it was a small world. Out of those, we had 3 foreign exchange students from Europe and two from Mexico, but otherwise, it was all white, white, and white! You could say I gre
I hail from rural southern Minnesota, a place where even with family dogs and cats, our population might barely reach 4,800! Graduating with just 67 classmates, it was a small world. Out of those, we had 3 foreign exchange students from Europe and two from Mexico, but otherwise, it was all white, white, and white! You could say I grew up in what some might call the "White Palace," where both consciously and subconsciously, I was taught about white privilege and supremacy.
My Past 30 Years
My First 20 Years
My First 20 Years
Leaving the comforts of the "White Palace," my journey led me to the West Side of Chicago, particularly the notorious North Lawndale community (K-Town, Killer Town). These years were a profound awakening, deepening my understanding of systemic racism in our society.
At a pivotal crossroads, I faced a decision – to retreat to the Palace or
Leaving the comforts of the "White Palace," my journey led me to the West Side of Chicago, particularly the notorious North Lawndale community (K-Town, Killer Town). These years were a profound awakening, deepening my understanding of systemic racism in our society.
At a pivotal crossroads, I faced a decision – to retreat to the Palace or stay and fight for justice. This 30-year journey was filled with transformative experiences and lessons that shaped my life, inspiring me to promote understanding and compassion to conquer prejudice and pave the way for justice and equality to prevail.
My Future Years
My First 20 Years
My Future Years
In February 2022, I moved to Atlanta, carrying the wisdom of my first 50 years that uniquely prepared me for this crucial moment in the face of persistent racism.
Join me as I fearlessly speak out against the forces of white privilege and white supremacy as I commit to living my life "To Speak Truth Regardless".
Experience the transformati
In February 2022, I moved to Atlanta, carrying the wisdom of my first 50 years that uniquely prepared me for this crucial moment in the face of persistent racism.
Join me as I fearlessly speak out against the forces of white privilege and white supremacy as I commit to living my life "To Speak Truth Regardless".
Experience the transformative power of truth, dismantling prejudice, and fostering equality. Together, let's strive for a more just and inclusive world as we embrace the call for lasting change. Be a part of this transformative movement.
"I'd rather be hated for speaking truth, than liked for remaining silent."
Dana Stevens
My work over the years...
Speaking at Schools
Men Making a Difference
Men Making a Difference
"Breakin' it Down" was to help high school students understand the destruction of racism and stereotypes.
Men Making a Difference
Men Making a Difference
Men Making a Difference
Featured in Grace Today in their featured story; "Men Making a Difference".
Black Friday 2
Men Making a Difference
Cook County Jail
I was honored Ric Mathis gave me an opportunity to join forces with great people such as Chuck D, Les Brown, David Banner & others for Black Friday 2!
Cook County Jail
Cook County Jail
Cook County Jail
I volunteered for 18 years in Division 10, Maximum Security, Floor 2b. I helped create the Life Learning Dorm.
Youth Minister
Cook County Jail
Youth Minister
For nearly 30 years I worked and mentored over 1,000's of youth from the streets, to the Juvenile Detention Center to Chicago Public Schools.
In the Schools
Cook County Jail
Youth Minister
I created and ran OneLove Kings Mentoring Club in a Chicago High School. All students passed or graduated, none left behind!