Rays of Sunshine: Celebrating Ernestine Ray’s Life

“Bold, Brilliant, and Beautiful” are words that rightfully describe the personality and life journey of Ernestine Ma’at Ray. Fueled by her intrigue about her African roots and childhood labels that she fought to dispel, Ernestine traveled to multiple countries on the continent of Africa, 44 countries globally, and worked in 33. “I was understanding who I was and where I came from. I felt like I was reborn,” she stated in an article written about her work in the Sun Sentinel.

Ernestine, an innovative and creative educator has over 30 years of experience in her field. She served as the superintendent of the American School System for the U.S. State Department in Ghana and worked in an educational capacity for domestic-based organizations as well. After returning from Ghana, Ernestine converted the historic colored school of Fort Lauderdale into the renowned Old Dillard Museum as the Curator and Director. In this role, she was responsible for curating multiple exhibitions centered on the richness of the various cultures and communities that make up the African diaspora. Ernestine also founded Ancestral Rays and Ancestral Legacies, two cultural and educational organizations in Fort Lauderdale. “Not enough people realize that the cultural arts are a great way to reach children when other methods have failed,” Ernestine has said. Throughout her life, Ernestine has served as a curator of many “spaces” and “places” that she converted into vibrant “classrooms” and her contribution to educating the local and global community is undeniable and profound.

As Ernestine’s family, we know the valuable role she has played in the lives of her students, mentees, colleagues, friends, and communities throughout the world. 

After a hard fight, our Ernestine passed away on Saturday, May 18, 2024. Currently, the family is making arrangements for her home-going celebration at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, June 30th from 1-3pm with the repast to follow. We welcome and appreciate your contributions and prayers.

Please feel free to forward this to mutual friends and acquaintances in Ernestine's network/community. You may contact Ernestine Ray's niece, Makeda S. Crane for any additional information by using the go-fund me messaging Contact button under the Organizer section underneath this message. There is usually a delay in the receipt of messages but it will be returned as soon as possible. Thank you.

Wishing you blessings and abundance in 2024!

Appreciatively,

The Family of Ernestine Ray