Ava DuVernay Overview

Screenwriter and director Ava DuVernay, the oldest of five children, was born in Long Beach, California to mother Darlene Maye, a teacher, and father Murray Maye, the owner of a carpeting business. Ava went to Saint Joseph High School in Lakewood, California. She then doubled majored in African American studies and English at UCLA and later graduated with a bachelor of arts. Directing wasn't Ava's first passion. She became interested in broadcast journalism while at UCLA and interned at... See All