Celebrating Black History Month offers us an important opportunity to recognize the many achievements and contributions that African Americans have made. It’s a time to honor African American leaders who had the courage to challenge inequities, strive for excellence under any circumstance, and blaze a trail for generations to come. In this article series, throughout February, we hope to educate, engage, and empower our community by learning more about the Black experience in America.
As a biracial child of immigrant parents, Anthony Rowtie’s ’22 ancestry is not directly linked to the complex history of African Americans in the United States, but as a self-identified Black American, the International Criminal Justice major knows that the contributions and accomplishments of African American leaders have helped make his success possible. “My mother is East Indian and my father is Afro-Guyanese, but I’ve always walked the middle path as a mixed person,” Rowtie says, further reflecting on how African Americans have paved the way for him to experience diversity in his everyday life. “The one thing I love about John Jay College is that I am always coming into contact with different ethnicities and different people from different countries. Without historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, these sort of cross-cultural interactions that we have with each other wouldn’t be possible,” he says. Rowtie sat down with us to reflect on the intersectionality of Black America and how Black History Month continues to be a source of great inspiration to second-generation born Americans like himself.
“Without historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, these sort of cross-cultural interactions that we have with each other wouldn't be possible.” —Anthony Rowtie
Why is it important for you to celebrate Black History Month and what does the month mean to you?
When I think of Black History Month, I think of all of the accomplishments and contributions African Americans and Black people have made to America and the world. We must recognize the huge steppingstone of achievements that African Americans have made because if one minority succeeds, we all succeed as people of color. So, it’s very important to look back at those specific figures in history who aren’t always celebrated throughout the year because they have impacted the lives of so many.
What hopes do you have for Black Americans in the United States?
I always wish for Black Americans to be more economically successful. Growing up in the Bronx, I saw plenty of poverty. I think education is the key because it provides possibilities for different career choices. I would also like to see more support for single mothers. My mother was a single mom and I want to empower women and support their success. More than ever, we need to adopt a neighborly sense and have more compassion for each other.
“We must recognize the huge steppingstone of achievements that African Americans have made because if one minority succeeds, we all succeed as people of color.” —Anthony Rowtie
Which African American leaders would you say have had the biggest impact on your life?
Martin Luther King Jr. has always had a big impact on me. I liked that he drew on certain aspects from Gandhi. I respect Dr. King’s cultural awareness and open-mindedness. He was striving to fight for the freedom of African Americans, and in turn, all races across American society. I was also drawn to Malcolm X and other historical figures like Jackie Robinson. I remember seeing a documentary about him and thinking, this Black baseball player made history by breaking into the major league. When you look at how instrumental Jackie Robinson was in terms of pushing civil rights forward, you realize that his success on the field made people think more about equality.
“When you look at how instrumental Jackie Robinson was in terms of pushing civil rights forward, you realize that his success on the field made people think more about equality.” —Anthony Rowtie
If you could sit down and have a conversation with one African American leader, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I would like to meet Martin Luther King Jr. and ask him, “What was the breaking point that made you feel that it was necessary to go out and start those movements and bring people together to change legislation?” I would ask him about what makes a speech effective? I would also want to know how he overcame his fears so that I could build up my own courage when I face adversity in the future. Dr. King was able to unite people, from all walks of life, during such a difficult time. I think we take the differences between that time period and now for granted. Right now, I can talk to White Americans and it’s a normal thing, but how did he persuade White Americans and other people of color, during a time when everything was segregated and there wasn’t much cross-cultural interaction, to stand up with him against those injustices? It’s just amazing what he did.
