Sanaa Lathan

Lathan in 2010, Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com

Birth Name: Sanaa McCoy Lathan

Place of Birth: New York City, New York, U.S.

Date of Birth: September 19, 1971

Ethnicity: African-American

Sanaa Lathan is an American actress. She is known for starring in the movies Blade (1998), Brown Sugar (2002), and Alien vs. Predator (2004). Her father, Stan Lathan, is a producer and director. Her mother, Eleanor McCoy (Eleanor Leslie McCoy), performed on Broadway. Her brother is DJ Tendaji Lathan.

Sanaa’s parents are both African-American. Her first name, Sanaa, means “work of art” in Swahili.

Some websites state that she has Native American ancestry. It is not clear if this ancestry has been verified/documented.

Sanaa’s paternal grandfather was named Stanley Edward Lathan (the son of William E. Lathan and Addie). Stanley was born in Pennsylvania.

Sanaa’s paternal grandmother was Julia Elizabeth Dunston (the daughter of Charles Dallas Dunston, Sr. and Lillian Pauline Muldrow). Julia was born in Pennsylvania. Lillian was the daughter of Phillip Muldrow and Rebecca E. Turner.

Sanaa’s maternal grandfather was Wesley Brice McCoy (the son of Wesley Duncan/Deer McCoy and Perses Helen Brice). Sanaa’s grandfather Wesley was born in South Bend, Indiana. Sanaa’s great-grandfather Wesley was the son of Duncan McCoy and Rosetta Nash. Perses was the daughter of John D. Brice and Paul.

Sanaa’s maternal grandmother was named Helen Irene Traylor (the daughter of Henry Franklin Traylor and Nittie/Mittie Rita Reeder Teasley). Helen was born in Hartwell, Georgia. She is pictured here.

Sources: Sanaa’s paternal grandfather, Stanley Edward Lathan, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Sanaa’s paternal grandmother, Julia Elizabeth Dunston, on the 1920 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Sanaa’s paternal great-grandparents, Charles Dallas Dunston and Lillian Pauline Muldrow, on the 1910 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org

Sanaa’s maternal grandfather, Wesley Brice McCoy, on the 1930 U.S. Census – https://familysearch.org