DIANA ROSS HAS TWO HISTORY-BREAKING SISTERS WITH DIFFERENT CAREERS…..The family of Motown icon, Diana Ross, has long ago proven to be quite an ambitious one. In addition to her famous children, Diana has two sisters who have carved their own lanes in careers that are unrelated to showbiz. We previously reported on her sister, Barbara Ross-Lee’s, success as a high-demand doctor (see Barbara’s details HERE)…but their baby sister, Rita Ross, has been accomplishing significant history-breaking feats for decades, as well.
Meet Rita Ross, Ran For House Of Representatives…Twice
In 2018, Diana Ross brought to everyone’s attention, on Twitter, that Rita Ross was making a political run for Michigan’s 5th district in the State House of Representatives to represent their hometown, Detroit.
“My sister Rita Ross is running for State Representative of the 5th District in Detroit, this is her calling. Please support!” -Diana Ross
Diana took to Twitter to urge her fans to support her sis,’ whom she refers to as a “dedicated Detroiter.” That description describes Rita to a ‘T.’ Why? Because she’s never been one to rely on her sister’s name for fame. For decades she’s been walkin’ it as she talks it, by dedicating her life to helping those in her hometown.
My sister is A really dedicated Detroiter pic.twitter.com/S8uXN7xREC
— Ms. Ross (@DianaRoss) May 25, 2018
At that time, Rita Ross’s website reported that she’d launched several programs focused on helping the people and children of Detroit:
Her services to the community are many including leading Russell Woods in the establishment of a Historical Designation: collaboration with the University of Detroit to create a gateway into Russell Woods Community; initiating contact with Arbor Drugs, which resulted in the building and opening of a pharmacy, that was much needed in the community. Rita led the fight (and won) to have the State of Michigan return the Dexter Elmhurst Center to the neighborhood, which was donated by Ed Davis, the first African American to own a New Car dealer franchise.
She continuously fights to protect the zoning rights, not just in her neighborhood but for the entire City of Detroit, after being appointed to the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). She has worked with the American Civil Liberty Union (ACLU) to save seniors’ homes from tax foreclosure, even finding and providing shelter in her own home when they were evicted.
Rita ended up losing the 2018 run for office, writing a thankful message to her supporters on Facebook:
“As many may know by now, I lost the election for State Representative, 5th District. To my family and friends, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I love you all for everything you have done. I thank you so much!! I would like to thank all of my campaign workers who put in all the hard work and so many long hours in. Thank you, thank you, thank you. It has been also a pleasure meeting and working with so many of my supporters. In my heart I have won because of all the wonderful people I have met through out this journey. This journey will continue, just not in Lansing. If anyone need me, I will be there if it’s all possible. I love you all. Thank you again.” – Rita Ross
Rita Ross had another go at it in 2020, when she ran for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives to represent District 5. Unfortunately, on August 4, 2020, Rita lost in the Democratic primary.
The Ross family long ago dubbed Rita Ross as “Mother Theresa,” for her willingness to help others, such as the thousands of foster children she’s helped through her 16 years of service on the Michigan Supreme Court Foster Care Review Board-including the two foster children she’s raising. She’s also worked hard to help poverty-stricken families and those affected by AIDS.
Prior to her political run, Rita Ross made history in a few ways:
She was one of the first women hired as a test driver at General Motors Proving Grounds in Milford, Michigan, and was one of the first African American Stewardesses to “Fly the Friendly Skies” of Pan American International Airlines. – via RitaRossDetroit
Not sure what’s next for Rita Ross, but from the looks of it, Diana Ross’s baby sis’ is slowing down NO time soon. Good for her.