"At the end of Dana's life, the mark of his manhood will be defined by how great he loved his people, and the willingness to sacrifice it all."

For 30 years, I immersed myself in Chicago's inner-city communities, from Rogers Park to Cabrini Green to North Lawndale. I walked the streets, fostering meaningful relationships with those living there, earning the nickname Revy'D.

In an effort to provide the youth with a safe haven away from the streets, I transformed an old fellowship hall at Rogers Park Baptist Church into a basketball outreach center. This initiative expanded to include a recording studio, meals, mentoring programs, a ladies gathering, and the "Youth with a Purpose" afterschool program, touching the lives of over 350 youth every week.

Eight years later, I moved to the notorious west side of Chicago where I continued my work in learning about racism so I can better stand against it!

Over the course of 18 years, I dedicated my time as a volunteer at Cook County Jail's Division 10 Maximum Security, contributing to the establishment of the transformative "Life Learning Dorm" on floor 2b. This initiative brought about remarkable changes in the lives of many, rekindling hope and inspiring growth.

Concurrently, for 13 years, I served as a speaker for the Victim Impact Panel of the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. My work reached out to more than 7,000 youth annually, utilizing the power of restorative practices to ignite profound transformations in their hearts and minds.

Throughout these experiences, I had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable resilience of our Black men, even amidst the most challenging environments. However, I also bore witness to the devastating impact of systematic racism in our nation, leading to an urgent need for change and justice.

From school assemblies and church services to youth events and conferences, I have cherished every opportunity to address diverse audiences. My speaking engagements have taken me not only across the States but also to international locations like Nigeria, Singapore, Germany, and Indonesia!

My greatest passion lies in delivering timely messages of hope, encouragement, and motivation, aiming to leave my audience in a better place!

From standing in front of the White House to sharing my message with my nearly 39,000 followers on my YouTube channel, my dedication lies in fighting for justice, standing for truth, and serving as a civil rights advocate at any cost!

Since 1998, I have been steadfast in my pursuit of justice for Mike Sanders, as depicted in the picture above. He was tragically sentenced to life plus 65 years in prison despite his innocence. Mike's case is just one example of the thousands of wrongful imprisonments that plague our black community due to the injustices they face in this nation.

I am the oldest of four siblings, and I have 10 nieces and nephews, along with five grand nieces and nephews. My mother is my ride-or-die partner in this journey, and she also accompanied me to Ghana to produce a three-part documentary on the Atlantic Slave Trade. In July of 2022, my mom and I embarked on a backpacking adventure across Germany, France, and the Netherlands.

However, in November of 2021, I experienced a heartbreaking loss when I lost my Pops to Covid-19. He had become one of my greatest fans, and his passing left a profound impact on me.

From the moment I was born, I knew I was destined to be an animal lover! Throughout my childhood, my family's pets ranged from chickens (yes, they make wonderful companions!), to ducks, and rabbits. Naturally, I initially pursued a pre-vet degree when I entered college, but I quickly realized that my brain space and tolerance for blood were limited, leading me to change my path.

As an adult, my dogs have become my beloved roommates! I've had the pleasure of sharing my life with Rottweilers, Bea-Bulls, and a Boston Terrier. These furry companions have not only been faithful friends but also a constant source of joy and happiness, bringing a smile to my face every day.