Deborah Santana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Deborah Santana
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Santana in 2019
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Deborah Sara King
January 30, 1951 |
| Alma mater | California Institute of Integral Studies (MA) |
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| Children | 3; including Salvador Santana |
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Deborah Sara Santana (born January 30, 1951) is an author, business manager, and activist. She works to support peace and fairness for women and people of color. She was previously married to the famous musician Carlos Santana.
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Early Life and Education
Deborah Santana was born in San Francisco, California. Her father was Saunders King, a well-known blues musician. Her mother was Jo Frances King.
Deborah went to the California Institute of Integral Studies. There, she earned a Master of Arts degree. Her studies focused on philosophy, religion, and women's spirituality.
Deborah Santana's Career
From 1994 to 2007, Deborah Santana was a key part of Santana Management. She served as the vice-president and chief operating officer (COO). In this role, she helped manage her husband's famous band, Santana.
Helping Others: Philanthropy
Deborah Santana is a generous person who helps others. In 2008, she started a non-profit group called Do a Little. This organization aims to help children and women who need support.
She has also been a trustee for ANSA (Artists for a New South Africa). She served as a trustee for the Smithsonian Institution too. Currently, she is on the board of directors for the Violence Intervention program in Los Angeles. She is also a leader for the Smithsonian American Women's History Initiative. She helps with education outreach for the Smithsonian.
Deborah Santana is also a founding donor for the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. This means she was one of the first people to donate money to help create this important museum.
Writing and Publishing
In 2005, Deborah Santana wrote a book called Space Between the Stars: My Journey to an Open Heart. This book shares her personal story. It talks about growing up with parents from different backgrounds (African-American and European-American). It also tells about her marriage to Carlos.
In 2018, she helped create and publish a collection of writings. This book is called All the Women in My Family Sing: Women Write the World: Essays on Equality, Justice, and Freedom (Nothing But the Truth So Help Me God). It features poems and stories from 69 women of color.
She has also contributed to other books. These include Tutu As I Know Him: On a Personal Note (2006), Nothing But the Truth So Help Me God (2012), Life Moments for Women (2012), and 20 Years - Chokecherries Anniversary Edition (2013).
Film Production and Support
Deborah Santana has worked as a producer on five short documentary films. These films focus on the Daraja Academy in Kenya. Daraja Academy is a free boarding school for talented girls who need financial help. The films also highlight the work of non-profit groups in South Africa. Four of these films were directed by Barbara Rick, who has won an Emmy Award.
Deborah continues to support Daraja Academy. She helps financially and uses her public presence to raise awareness for the school.
Courage Museum
Deborah Santana is a main investor in the Courage Museum. This museum is set to open in San Francisco in 2025. The Courage Museum will be an educational place. It aims to teach people about violence and how to create positive change. It will offer tools and inspiration for visitors.
Personal Life
Deborah Santana has three children with Carlos Santana. They were married in 1973 and divorced in 2007. Their children are:
- Salvador Santana: He is a songwriter, band leader, and musician.
- Stella Santana: She is a singer, songwriter, and performer.
- Angelica Santana: She is a writer, archivist, and film producer.
Deborah Santana married actor Carl Lumbly in 2015. They divorced in 2019.
