Arts
Wife, Mom, Social Worker, and now Author, Sanya Whittaker Gragg has always had a passion for working with and inspiring kids. She holds degrees from the University of Memphis, Georgia State University, and the University of Southern California. She has worn many hats including 10 years in marketing/PR and athletics; working for NIKE, the Detroit Pistons and the University of Michigan Athletics Department. Sanya also worked as an assistant to best selling author, E.Lynn Harris. Her community work has included serving on the board for a homeless shelter for families, and advocating in the courts for foster children as a CASA. This prompted her to pursue her M.S.W, leading her to work for Tulsa Public Schools as a school based therapist and social worker Over the years, Sanya has also taken breaks in her career to be at home full time supporting her children with their many activities, as well as supporting her husband with his demanding job as an athletic director. Raising two black sons (now young adults) prompted her to write her debut book, “Momma, Did You Hear the News?” It is centered around ten year old Avery who is in a panic over the shooting of another unarmed black man. It was featured in Essence, the Huffington Post and several other national outlets. Her follow up book, "Daddy, Did You Hear the News?" addresses bullying which she often witnessed working with young children. Both books encourage readers to “memorize the 5” as she uses catchy chants to help remember what to do when faced with these challenging situations. A to the L to the I-V-E... come home ALIVE...that is the KEY! B to the U to the L-L-Y...when they go low...then we go HIGH!