2006 Moretti Award Winner:

Ernestine Ray, Curator,  Old Dillard Museum

Ernestine Ray's Moretti Award Acceptance Speech
Friday, May 12, 2006

Coming from very humble beginnings I have been blessed to work in 44 countries: in Africa, S. America,  the Caribbean,  Asia,  Europe and Canada. It transformed my life forever. My love affair with cultures was ignited.

I am delighted and honored to receive this prestigious award from the Cultural Foundation of Broward, and I thank you.

To those that have inspired me, offered their generous contribution of time, energy and personal resources -- to those that have supported my goals and dreams -- to those that have helped make the vision of Old Dillard Museum & Ancestral Legacies Inc., become a reality -- I am grateful, I accept you as my family, as my village!

Jan Howard once said “Call it a clan…a network…a tribe…call it a family. Whatever you call it, whoever you are, you need one."

Due to your support, Old Dillard Museum, formerly named the “Colored School” in 1924, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. From the years 1995 - 2000 the Museum evolved from one room to an engaging five gallery historic and cultural institution. It is exciting to think that our new expansion initiative will soon result in an additional five galleries, encompassing the entire building.

Old Dillard Museum has helped many young people recognize their worth, their power and their rich and proud heritage. As quoted by Ralph Ellison, “When I discover who I am, I shall be free."

We’re amazed at the number of people from different cultures & all walks of life who visit our site. Old Dillard has truly become one of our city’s most significant cultural destinations.

I’m truly grateful to:

• The County Commissioner and Broward Cultural Division for their support of the Museum’s cultural programs over the years,

• The School Board Broward County for their ongoing support of our programming and facilities… And most recently for two million dollars in dedicated funds towards our expansion initiative.

• As a recently appointed State Commissioner of Historic Preservation, I’d like to recognize the Florida Dept. of State’s Historic Resources and its Division of Cultural Affairs for their support of our Cannonball Adderley JAZZ ROOM, which features a variety of renowned jazz musicians.

On a more PERSONAL NOTE I am grateful to:

• The first Broward Council of Elders who were the early visionaries in the development of our Museum.

• My dear friend, Gale Butler, Corporate Affairs VP of AutoNation who has supported every initiative that I have ever been involved with since my relocation to Fort Lauderdale in 1992

• Jim & Jan Moran for their companionship and sponsorship of the Heritage Gallery & the “JM Family Youth Jazz Series” Concerts

• The Henderson Foundation for the generous underwriting of the Library Resource Room

•  The Old Dillard Foundation Board who has enabled us to enhance our offerings, raising the bar to first class programs and exhibitions

•  The late Dr. Harry Friedman who made us part of his legacy

• And to the many corporations, foundations, institutions, partners, special friends and my precious sister and her family that have contributed to my efforts, taught me many life-lessons, shared their love and have been loyal supporters through the years

•  And last but certainly not least, to the most cherished people in my life who have passed on but will forever live in my heart.

MY Jamaican mother, who told me “Generousity of spirit costs nothing yet pays a lifetime of dividends." I remember her saying…”A kind word, a compliment, a smile, a helping hand & respect and tolerance of others & their culture are expressions of love that everyone can offer,"

and my father who was part Native American shared his Native American Wisdom with me…commenting…  “Whatt we do today affects the next seven generations"and he always reminded me “we must know who we are” which prompted my early interest in Africa.

Leo Rostnonce said…”The purpose of life is to be useful… responsible …compassionate. It is above all to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made a difference that you have lived at all!”

Let us all continue to work together to make a difference.

Peace be with you.