About Ray

Surayyah, otherwise known as Ray, is an author, activist, dancer, writer & student at Barnard College of Columbia University, striving on working toward a more inclusive future. Ray’s advocacy focuses on fostering open dialogue, student organizing and curriculum design to address injustices within and beyond her community. 

Ray is also the author of RayRay Paints a Self Portrait, the first installment of a children’s book series about how racial, cultural and religious identities take form in one’s self-image. This book was also recently incorporated into the curriculum in the Hillsborough New Jersey school system.

In addition to her book, Ray has also received the Scholastic Art & Writing Silver Key Award for her personal essay “Did I Just Join the Navy?” and the Honorable Mention Award for her poem “When I was Younger.”