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.
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.
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.