We recently had the chance to connect with Danicia Tate and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Danicia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
I recently graduated from the Washington University of St. Louis- School of Medicine.
Training and work had been my main focus until graduation. Now I have more time to focus on my writing and artwork.
A normal day for me consists of waking up excited about what I can curate for the day or week.
Lately I’ve been purchasing broken/vintage furniture pieces to revamp and writing some new inspirational pieces.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hey y’all it’s me- Danicia Tate, author and founder of the Dakota Educational Book Series.
You may or may not know that I am a fighter against polycystic ovarian syndrome. Due to this condition, my entire life I was told that it wasn’t possible to bear children naturally.
But God had other plans for me!
In 2017 while saving money for an IVF procedure, I became pregnant. Welcoming a healthy Babygirl named Dakota into the world on May 20, 2018. The world was not ready for her sassy entrance, lol.
After giving birth, I was trying to figure out something to do; a business venture that represented my story. I would watch Dakota as she played and learned and that’s when the idea hit me…
Writing has always been an outlet for me, so it genuinely came to me to write about this new, beautiful Blessing. Then, the Dakota Educational Book Series was born.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
God.
I was raised in a God-fearing and spiritual family. Before anyone else including myself, could see me there has always been God. I am living on answered prayers as we speak.
Growing up and dealing with polycystic ovarian syndrome; I was always taught that God sees it all and hears it all and he has the last say so.
Anytime I feel down or unseen I know it’s time to spend time with God.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
In 2021, I was a victim of sexual assault, and I found myself standing in the middle of a craft store, once again looking for a release. I couldn’t tell you how long it had been before 2021 that I had picked up a paint brush or used a canvas.
Creativity originally emerged from trauma for me. I stopped hiding my pain and turned it into purpose the minute I decided to heal.
My power comes in a creative form. I no longer create when I just need an outlet, but I create with motivation.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Family history, lineage.
My Great Aunt Johanna McNabb Brooks was the first African American from Ste. Genevive, MO to graduate from college. She attended the St Louis University. Later, she became a Teacher at Stowe University (now Harris-Stowe State University) and served as Vice President of Missouri State Teachers College.
Willaim C. “Bill” Brooks, my cousin and son of Johanna and William Sr. Brooks, was a long-respected icon with a fearless reputation for civil, political and business pioneering. He advocated for charities and African American entrepreneurs and opportunities.
Serving in three Presidential Administration roles with General Motors as Vice President of Corporate affairs, Chairman of GM Foundation and Chairman of the board and President of Motor Enterprises Inc.
Bill Brooks also ran for Mayor of Detroit in the year 2001. In a career that ranged from vehicles to economics, Brooks was noted for his dedication to health, education and the welfare of children.
James Garfield Brooks, my Great Uncle and brother to my other Great Uncle Willaim Sr. Brooks, was a successful business entrepreneur, with a restaurant and coal and wood delivery business in St. Louis.
Great Uncle Joe Robinson owned a pharmacy gifted to him by his older brother and my Great Uncle Pelham Robinson. Located in North city of St. Louis, at the corner of Page and Taylor. Just down the street at the corner of Martin Luther King and Taylor stood our convenience store.
I have savored memories of being the only grandchild of my generation to experience both businesses while they were operating. The big brown furniture because that was Uncle Joe’s favorite color and known to be a color of luxury. Ice cream flavors of all kinds, my foster grandmother grabbing a box of Virgina Slim cigarettes, and how you can hear the air conditioning running from one of the upstairs apartment units. Where I would take naps sometimes and wake up to a cream soda.
These are cultural values I protect at all costs.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Have you ever heard the saying, “Pretty Privilege?” Our family consists of many pretty women; however, it has not been a privilege to build our legacy.
Most misunderstand the hard work and time put into building our Legacy. They take one look at the beauty and assume that we didn’t work as hard or that we didn’t work at all.
As if Legacy was just handed to us. No, it was not.
The accomplishments of our family and our descendants are an example that you can achieve great things despite all odds. A Good village raises good people.
“Don’t let the cute faces fool you.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://katko.univer.se/books
- Instagram: @dakotabookseries
- Facebook: KO KO T.
Image Credits
Photo I: Grandma Cynthia, Great Aunts Charlesetta and Charlene.
Photo II: Uncle Pelham as a baby being held by Grandma Luella.
Photo III: Uncle Joe Robinson standing in the middle of the convenience store.
Photo IV: Dakota enjoying Florida Fun.
Photo V: Aunt Johanna Brooks pictured.
Photo VI: Brooks boys Cricket Trophy Winners.
Photo VII: William Brooks Sr, William C, Sidney and John “Jack” Brooks.
