What is REINA NEGRA THEOLOGY?

Ingrained in REINA NEGRA THEOLOGY are three specific and distinct understandings that are grounded, rooted and entrenched in this theory and practice developed Dr. Renai Ellison:

(1) Dr. Renai's biological, maternal grandmother was Puerto Rican. Although, Dr. Renai's mother was adopted by Black parents, her biological father is believed to be Black and she presents as Black. Dr. Renai’s mother is mixed heritage, bi-racial – Black and Puerto Rican.

(2) The literal translation of REINA NEGRA is BLACK QUEEN. Dr. Renai believes that within every woman, there is a royal, regal, and majestic queen waiting to be released and emerge triumphant. This REINA NEGRA embodies confidence, creativity, caring, brilliance, intelligence, power, success, non-competitiveness, supportiveness, maturity, productivity, kindness, industriousness, and willingness. Dr. Renai emphasizes that every woman has the potential to tap into her REINA NEGRA at will. Because she is human, she needs edification, encouragement, reciprocity and respect in the form of loyalty that is based on mutuality. She wants friends not fans.

(3) The Spanish word REINA is an anagram (rearranged or scrambled word) for RENAI, her first name which finds its origins in the word RENAISSANCE, a word that means Rebirth or Reborn. REINA NEGRA THEOLOGY inspires women who are Black, Latine, and other, to experience their own personal Renaissance by understanding, embracing, cultivating, and unleashing their interest in, involvement with, and indulgence of Visual Arts, Literary Arts, and Performing Arts. This is achieved through a visceral connection with the arts, a guttural appreciation of humanity, and a deep, abiding passion for and commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.