Asanti McRae on Black History Month: “It Means So Much More to Me Than Just a Month in Our History; It Means That I Get To Uplift and Celebrate My Communities’ Ancestors”

With February marking Black History Month in the US, Asanti McRae, Consultant at Capco, spoke to myGwork about what the month means to her and why she wants to see more people celebrating it.

Hi Asanati, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hey there! My name is Asanti McRae, and my role within Capco is as a consultant and a member of the US Pride@Capco and US Black@Capco networks. These affinity groups’ missions are to bring awareness, inclusivity, and meaningful impact within our communities.

Were you taught about Black History in school? If not – what difference would this have made to you?

I was not formally taught Black history in school; however, I was taught it by a very strong community of Baptist churches in my hometown, putting an effort into educating youth on their history. I think had it been formally taught in school for me, I would have had an even deeper view of US history. So many things we do and use today were thanks to black people, and it diminishes those accomplishments or significance to US History, not emphasizing Black history. I think it would have given me a bigger sense of pride had it been taught in school because historically, the black communities’ ancestors played a key integral part in this nation being built. Having Black history taught in school would have also made a difference in giving the whole picture of the narrative of US history because, personally, US history is very much taught through the lens of settlers that came to this country.

 What does Black History Month mean to you, and why do you find it important?

Black History Month, to me, is a time to celebrate and reflect on those that came before us that paved the path for us to have the things we have today. I could not even fathom what it must have really been like to live in a time when we had to practice our own culture in secrecy or be treated less than an animal with no rights. Thousands of Black people sacrificed so that I can have a world today where I can get an education, freely exist in the same space as other races, pick an occupation of my choice, and even enjoy the liberty of having any rights, period. So, it means so much more to me than just a month in our history; it means that I get to uplift and celebrate my communities’ ancestors and, in a way, say thank you to them every year.

 What suggestions do you have for organizations to mark Black History Month?

I would say to do more than just talk about our history, even though that piece is important. When I say do more, organizations can engage and show more to mark Black History. Black History is all around us and can create a unique experience for people to see these things. Whether it be art, a profession, a school, or a museum, organizations can build more within the community around these kinds of things.

How can everyone show up for Black History Month?

First things first, I think it starts with being open-minded and being a part of the discussion in a constructive, meaningful way. Many schools across the country still do not teach Black History, and as a community, people can simply take the time and outreach out to our youth and tell them some of our Black History. Black History is equally as important to US history in that this country was simply built using slaves. People can support your local black-owned business as well as black-focused organizations that have missions to better the community. Additionally, people can show up for Black History Month by authentically incorporating it within their own jobs to emphasize diversity and inclusion.

 Why is it important that this month includes Black LGBTQ+ people from across history?

I think it is important in that it opens the lens wider to our history. There is an added value in talking about a sub-identity within the Black community. There are Black LGBTQ+ influential people and creators that shaped the very fabric of a culture that we as a community should celebrate and elevate. I additionally think it’s important because it brings to light an additional faucet to intersectionality, given that people are more than just Black.

 Who are some of your favorite Black LGBTQ+ people from throughout history?

My favorite would be Marsha P. Johnson, Gladys Bentley, and Langston Hughes. I would say that my favorite person would be Marsha P. Johnson. This person was a true pioneer and leader in activism for the LGBTQ+ community. Her story is important to me because of her efforts LGBTQ+ youth, among many that were experiencing homelessness, were able to receive critical support and housing. She’s also notably known for her contributions during the Stonewall uprising. This speaks to me because this brave person was amongst the many who fought back and paved the way to basic rights and the ability to not hide my sexuality.

 Who are your Black LGBTQ+ role models?

Some of my role models would be Janelle Monáe, Candace Parker, and Robin Roberts. I’d say the main one would be Janelle Monáe. She embodies things I hold really important, and she does an amazing job utilizing her platform. She’s such a talented person, and I appreciate that she pushes her craft on topics that may make people uncomfortable, but it’s the facts and reality of all the disproportions and treatment of POC.

 Do you have any favorite films/tv shows/podcasts etc, for learning about Black History?

I love this question! With tv shows, as far as Black and LGBTQ+, one tv show comes to mind called ‘A League of Their Own (2022 series)’. Even though the series wasn’t entirely focused on the character Max Chapman, it was notably an eye-opening story to see. Not only was she up against the wall playing baseball as a woman, but having adversity being a woman of color while exploring her sexuality and keeping her sexuality a secret in fear for her life. It’s one thing to read about things in history than to see them portrayed, and it speaks to the courage women like her had back in the day. Another tv show would be ‘The Get Down.’ That movie was such a treat, since I’m a big music lover, to just see a portrayal during a pivoting moment in history when we had the birth of hip-hop, punk, and disco.

 What can we all do to make sure Black LGBTQ+ History is taught and highlighted all year long?

We can all integrate it into already existing practices that we do throughout the year. Implement it in the curriculum in schools and universities that teach and focus on Black History. Organizations and jobs could hold forums to highlight Black LGBTQ+ History. Community leaders can include Black LGBTQ+ History in their year-long activism activities.

What is your workplace doing to mark Black History Month?

A few things to mention that Capco has done are highlighted today in the Black History series that happen each day of February. In celebration, the firm has also organized an event for employees to come and hear Duke University Professor Mark Anthony Neal examine and discuss resistance embedded in Black Music. Additionally, we are getting to view a showing of African art that is theme Celebrating Black Art.

 Why is Black history month is important to you?

Black History Month is important to me because it is a time to celebrate and recognize everything our ancestors and Black figures have done in the past. It gives me a sense of connection to my community on things that shaped who I am. It is also important to me because Black History as a whole isn’t taught enough.

 What does allyship to the Black LGBTQ+ community mean to you?

It means not staying silent. I think that it’s extremely important to have allies who speak out and aid in the discussion and actions to bring awareness and inclusivity to Black LGBTQ+. It means showing up and being present when it is time to call out people who are discriminatory. Allyship to Black LGBTQ+ is being supportive with unconditional kindness and a desire to learn. Being one addresses so many issues we have today, breaks down barriers, and creates safe spaces.