Cheryl McCoy Gealey grew up in the Cayman Islands and shaped her daughter Grace Byers’ success—and the deaf community’s future. This champion for deaf rights continues reaching new milestones in education, advocacy, and leadership.
Let’s explore the updated story of this supportive mother, community leader, and dedicated educator.
Early Life in the Cayman Islands
Cheryl McCoy Gealey lost her sense of hearing at age two after battling pneumonia, but this challenge became the foundation of her life’s mission. Born to Harry and Theoline McCoy in Bodden Town, Cayman Islands, she grew up in a close community that taught her to stand up for herself and stay proud of her heritage.
This deaf advocate adapted with creativity, developing ways to communicate and embracing her deaf identity. Growing up in a world designed for the hearing, she cultivated a passion for service that would define her remarkable journey. These early years laid the foundation for the influential figure she would become.
Cheryl’s contributions have earned her many honors. She received the Cayman Islands Medal of Honor and the International Deaf Leadership Award for her global impact. These awards celebrate a woman whose work continues to inspire activists, educators, and families worldwide.
School Success Against All Odds
In the 1970s and ’80s, schools in the Cayman Islands had limited resources for deaf students. Her parents believed in education and sent her to a boarding school for the deaf. Cheryl graduated at the top of her class, proving that deafness was no barrier to achievement.
Her drive for knowledge led her to pursue higher education—a rare achievement for deaf individuals at that time. She earned a degree in Education, focusing on deaf education methods. This educational pioneer became a fixture at international deaf education conferences, collaborating with schools to enhance programs and lobbying for better access.
Raising Grace Byers
When Cheryl McCoy Gealey welcomed her daughter, Grace, she embraced raising a hearing child as a deaf parent. Grace’s parents are both deaf, so she communicates with them using sign language. Using sign language, expressive gestures, and visual cues, she created a bilingual environment where Grace learned both spoken English and sign language.
This unique upbringing deepened their bond and gave Grace a deep appreciation for communication and empathy—traits that shine in her Hollywood career. Grace is best known for her role as Anika Calhoun in the popular Fox drama Empire, and later starred in Amazon Prime’s Harlem series.
Cheryl’s lessons in strength and self-acceptance became Grace’s foundation. Grace often credits her mother’s resilience as the heartbeat of her success, showing Cheryl’s ongoing impact.
Fighting for Deaf Rights
This disability rights advocate founded the Cayman Islands Deaf Association and consulted on government disability rights initiatives. She was pivotal in establishing the Cayman Islands Deaf Association, which has become a vital resource for individuals and families. She also hosted Morning Express, a television talk show featuring sign language interpretation.
Her advocacy has secured sign language access in public services, elevated deaf culture awareness, and expanded educational opportunities for deaf students. In recent years, Cheryl has led online programs, launching digital platforms by 2024 to connect deaf individuals with resources and mentorship.
Shaping Grace’s Career Path
Cheryl’s role as a mentor continues shaping Grace Byers’ path. Grace, now a prominent actress and author, channels her mother’s values into her work. Her 2018 children’s book, “I Am Enough”—inspired by Cheryl’s lessons in self-worth—remains a bestseller, with a 2024 anniversary edition featuring a foreword by Cheryl herself.
Grace’s advocacy for deaf representation in media echoes her mother’s mission. Behind Grace’s on-screen success lies Cheryl’s quiet strength—a force Grace honors by amplifying deaf voices in Hollywood and beyond.
Speaking Out for Change
Cheryl’s voice reaches far beyond the Cayman Islands. As a sought-after public speaker, she addresses inclusivity, early deaf education, and workplace accessibility at global events. In 2024, she launched “Breaking the Sound Barrier,” a series of webinars to bridge the hearing and deaf communities, reaching thousands worldwide.
Her policy work with local and international organizations has led to new accessibility laws in the Cayman Islands, enacted in early 2025, ensuring deaf individuals’ rights to education and employment.
Building a Legacy
As Grace’s star rises, Cheryl remains a tireless advocate. In 2025, she unveiled the Cheryl McCoy Gealey Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to deaf education and digital inclusion. Mentorship remains her passion—she guides young deaf leaders, develops innovative programs, and works with tech firms to create accessible learning tools.
Her vision? A world where barriers dissolve, and every deaf individual thrives. Cheryl’s life shows what determination can achieve. Her story—rooted in love, strength, and service—continues to evolve, inspiring a future of equality.
Conclusion
Cheryl McCoy Gealey’s journey—from a deaf child in the Cayman Islands to a global advocate—shows true strength and purpose. Her influence on Grace Byers and countless others challenges us to rethink inclusivity. As of 2025, Cheryl’s work presses forward, breaking barriers and building bridges.
Her story is a call to action: share it, celebrate it, and join the movement for a world where every voice, spoken or signed, is heard.
