Ernestine Ma’at Ray
By Lillian E. Small
(Seventh in a Series)
Ernestine Ma’at Ray came on the scene at the Old Dillard Museum in the “knick of time.” She brought with her a plethora of creative ideas and 30 years of experience as its first Curator and Director. Materials that had been collected by Mary Laramore Smith and several organizations that worked with her were curated into multiple exhibits that brought this building into a life of its own. It began to speak for itself of the history that was born in this community; a history that could not be changed, and one that could speak volumes to the generations that would follow.
The journey that had brought this talented young woman aboard had been one of many travels. She had served with the United States Department in Ghana in the capacity of superintendent of the American School System before returning to convert the old Colored School into the renown Old Dillard Museum. The several rooms are filled with local memories depicting pictures, programs, and many other forms of memorabilia, as well as valuable artifacts of the African diaspora. The Jazz Room is a beautiful replica of a jazz club and features local musicians including Julian “Cannonball” Adderley. Cultural arts stood out prominently in her life because of the contributions she desired to make among people of the local community and the inherent global connections.
As we well know, again we have been blessed in this building for the services rendered from its beginning. Ernestine Ma’at Ray is now residing at The Bridge at Inverrary, a facility located in Lauderhill. She has been there since January 9, 2024. Let us not forget that she too is owed a debt of gratitude for her works that still stand prominently in the Old Dillard Museum. Learn how you can brighten her day or contribute to the gofundme.com account established f
