Discover Yaya Dacosta’s Roots: Meet Her Parents Orundun and Carl Johnson
Introduction
Yaya Dacosta, born on November 15, 1982, is an American actress, model, and singer. She first gained fame through her appearance on the reality show America’s Next Top Model. Yaya has starred in many movies and TV shows, including Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Chicago Med, and Chicago Justice. In this post, we will be taking a deep dive into Yaya’s roots and discussing her parents, Orundun and Carl Johnson.
Yaya’s Roots
Yaya Dacosta was born in Harlem, New York, to a father of West African descent and a mother of Brazilian and African-American ancestry. Yaya’s name “Dacosta” comes from her father’s African roots, which he received after converting to Islam. Yaya’s parents are unique individuals with interesting backgrounds, and we will be discussing them in detail in the following sections.
Orundun Johnson: Yaya’s Father
Orundun Johnson, Yaya’s father, was born and raised in Nigeria. He is a former member of the Nigerian Air Force and migrated to the United States in the 1970s. After moving to the U.S., Orundun joined the civil rights movement and became an activist. He met Yaya’s mother through activism and political events in New York City. Orundun is also known for being a prolific writer, musician, and a member of the Last Poets, an African-American musician collective that emerged during the civil rights movement.
Carl Johnson: Yaya’s Mother
Carl Johnson, Yaya’s mother, was born in Chicago, Illinois. She is of Brazilian and African-American descent and grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Carl initially pursued a career in medicine, but her passion for political activism led her to pursue studies in political science and sociology. Carl is known for being a social justice activist and has worked for several community-based organizations, including the National Welfare Rights Organization and the National Black Political Convention.
Their Relationship and Impact on Yaya
Orundun and Carl Johnson met each other in the 1970s and got married in 1979. The couple has been together for over four decades and has raised three children, including Yaya. Orundun and Carl’s love for each other, their activism, and their African heritage has influenced Yaya’s own views on the world and activism.
Yaya has previously mentioned in interviews that she was raised in an Afrocentric household, and her parents taught her about African culture, history, and the importance of activism. She credits her parents for instilling confidence and self-love in her and setting her on a path to success.
FAQs about Yaya Dacosta and Her Parents
Q1) What is Yaya Dacosta’s nationality?
Yaya Dacosta is an American actress of West African, Brazilian, and African-American ancestry.
Q2) Who are Yaya Dacosta’s parents?
Yaya Dacosta’s parents are Orundun and Carl Johnson.
Q3) What is the name of Yaya Dacosta’s father, and where is he from?
Yaya Dacosta’s father’s name is Orundun Johnson, and he is from Nigeria.
Q4) Who are the Last Poets, and how are they associated with Yaya’s father, Orundun Johnson?
The Last Poets are an African-American musician collective that emerged during the civil rights movement. Orundun Johnson is a member of the Last Poets.
Q5) What is Yaya Dacosta’s mother’s background?
Yaya Dacosta’s mother, Carl Johnson, is of Brazilian and African-American descent.
Q6) What impact have Yaya’s parents had on her life and career?
Yaya’s parents, Orundun and Carl Johnson, have influenced her views on African culture, history, and activism. Yaya credits her parents for instilling confidence and self-love in her, setting her on a path to success.
Q7) What is the meaning of the name “Dacosta”?
The name “Dacosta” was given to Yaya’s father after he converted to Islam. It is derived from the terms “Da” and “Costa,” which are Arabic and Portuguese, respectively, and mean “the coast.”
Conclusion
Yaya Dacosta’s roots are unique, and her parents, Orundun and Carl Johnson, have had a significant impact on her life and career. Through their activism, love, and influence, they have instilled confidence, self-love, and a passion for social justice in their children. Yaya’s story is a testament to the importance of family, cultural heritage, and activism in shaping one’s identity and future.