MARYLAND — Reisha Raney became the first Black state officer for the Maryland State Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She also released a short film titled "She Walked Through: 250 Years Later" in connection with America's 250th anniversary.

Raney, a mathematician and engineer by training, is a member of the Maryland State Society Daughters of the American Revolution. She is also the founder and host of Daughter Dialogues. Raney is a direct descendant of President Thomas Jefferson's grandfather through an enslaved woman named Mary.

The film explores the stories of individuals who researched their family histories to discover ancestors involved in the founding of the nation. Raney stated, "Everyone thought the story was the ancestors. Then the women who went looking became the story." She added, "And yes, they are ordinary people, but with extraordinary histories and extraordinary lives themselves."

Raney noted the dedication involved in such genealogical pursuits. "My cousin did 20 years of research before the records were even available online," she said. Raney explained the film's focus: "Who were they before they even opened up a genealogy record and then find out the transition that they took once they found out their history, and that their ancestors were part of founding this nation."

Raney also spoke about her experiences within the organization. "I found a camaraderie of sisterhood of both my Black and white sisters. They're some of my best friends, in fact, and they support me in all of my endeavors," she said. She expressed her broader goals for the film and the organization, noting, "Everyone inherits a history. Individuals, families, institutions and even our nation. A painful past should not be the end of a story. And I wanted to highlight what the Black members of the Daughters of the American Revolution are doing today."

Looking to the future, Raney offered her perspective on national progress. "Progress is telling the truth about the past and still choosing to move forward together, and that's the hope that I have for the next 250 years for our United States of America," she said.

Why It Matters

Reisha Raney's appointment as the first Black state officer for the Maryland State Society Daughters of the American Revolution marks a development in the organization's history. Her film, released for America's 250th anniversary, provides a platform for stories related to the nation's founding that include diverse ancestral backgrounds. The film and her role address themes of historical research, identity, and the ongoing interpretation of American history, including the contributions of individuals often overlooked in historical narratives.