top of page
Untitled-11.png

Born To Emancipate

A Timeless Story Of The Pursuit of Freedom

Spanning over 220 years, Dr. Nay's family legacy is a testament to resilience and determination. Embark on a journey through 'Born To Emancipate: A Timeless Story Of The Pursuit of Freedom,' where each generation's struggle and triumph contributes to a profound narrative. From the early 18th century to today, discover the enduring spirit that fuels Dr. Nay's passion for educational emancipation.

Virginia 1869.jpg

1798

Sarah Sally Ragland

Born in Louisa, Virginia, as a "free" Black woman at a time when most African Americans were enslaved. Her life set the foundation for the resilience and fight against systematic oppression that would come to characterize the family's legacy.

1845

Susie Ragland Poindexter

Also born as a "free" Black woman in Louisa, Virginia, but bound by societal constraints and unspoken systems of oppression that limited her true freedom.

Bettie Ragland Timberlake

Born the year the 13th Amendment was passed, abolishing slavery. Despite legal freedom, Bettie still had to navigate a life constrained by the prejudices of Jim Crow.

1865

1930

Marcy Jefferson White

Born in Harlem, NY during the Great Depression. Discouraged from pursuing her dream of nursing, she turned to homemaking but later became a home health aide, always emphasizing the importance of education to her children.

Dr. Nay

Born one hundred years after Juneteenth and during the era of the Civil Rights Movement. Her schooling years revealed the persistent inequities in the American education system.

1965

1968

Suffered a traumatic brain injury

due to a serious fall. Doctors questioned if she would ever speak again due to her injuries.

Racial Turbulence in NYC Schools

Dr. Nay attends "integrated" but still racially turbulent New York City public schools, experiencing firsthand the impact of an imbalanced educational system.

1970's

1986

Dr. Nay earns her B.S.,

Early Childhood & Elementary Education, New York University

Became Teacher in NYC Board of Education in Jamaica, NY.

1991

She goes on to be a M.S.,

Reading Specialist, City University of New York at Brooklyn College.

1993

Dr. Nay received

the Eugene Campbell Leadership Award. Curry School of Education, University of Virginia.

1995

Dr. Nay receives her Ed.D.,

Educational Leadership, University of Virginia Became College Professor at Virginia Union University in Richmond, VA.

1996

She published first book,

The “Hard-to-Reach” Parent: Old Challenges, New Insights.

2008

First African American

promoted to Full Professor at St. Joseph’s University

2000's

Motherhood and Advocacy

Moves to Long Island to provide her sons a "better" educational setting but faces continued systemic issues, prompting her active involvement in their education.

2021

Founded educational consulting

company, Renee’s Way Inc.

Published book, Embrace Your Power: A Sistah to Sistah Conversation.

2022

Published books, Sistah Girl:

Step Into Your Greatness (Amazon Best Seller), and Yo Bro, Strive Toward Excellence.

Virginia Ragland Jefferson 1869 .jpg
1UAqth9elEUENs0xUG7pSTpL4kjE6pNq.jpg
Marcy White 1930jpg.jpg
IMG_0621.jpg
Fall.jpg
Elementary.jpg
IMG_0014.jpg
Masters.jpg
IMG_0015.jpg
UVA.jpg
Book_edited.jpg

2023

Today

In an era still rife with racial discrimination and educational inequity, Dr. Nay is committed to emancipatory education. She aims to level the playing field and close the achievement gap that has persisted for centuries.

IMG_2783.jpg
IMG_0475.jpg
IMG_3558.jpg
img 2_edited_edited.jpg
IMG_1185.jpg

Are you ready to join our movement to educational freedom?

Become an Emancipator.

bottom of page