Canerow: Threads of Intergenerational Leadership is a storytelling series capturing the wisdom, resilience, and vision of Black women leaders across generations. Rooted in the Canerow project, these reflections explore leadership, legacy, and community through the voices of those shaping the future. The full interviews will be included in a print publication and released for Black History Month 2025.
Interview with Anita McKensie by Tracey Sage
Anita Jeni McKenzie is a multifaceted professional, serving as a photographer, archivist, raw food teacher and consultant, and Interfaith Minister. Her work includes various initiatives, including Healing Image Photography (HiP), McKenzie Heritage Picture Archive (MHPA), and Sistahintheraw. Recognised as an expert in her fields, McKenzie played a crucial role in the early black photography collectives in the UK during the 1980s, establishing a legacy of collected images, prints and post cards that celebrate African and South Asian representation in the UK and across the Diaspora.
The Journey of Discovery and Acceptance
It is on her personal and professional development that Anita reflects on first.
“More and more I’m accepting myself as having a polymathic work life.”
She attributes this realisation to a better understanding of her creativity and neurodiverse background. Currently, she focuses on photography, aiming to evoke feelings of legacy, visibility, and representation. “It feels like a really privileged place to be in now.”
The inspiration for her work draws from the deep connections she establishes with her subjects or collaborators: “It’s not like a formal photo shoot. I don’t take myself that seriously; it’s as much joy and fun for me as it is for the subject or sitter.” This joy is evident in the way she captures her subjects in both animated and serene moments, defining her approach and personality.
Leadership and Visibility
When discussing the concept of leadership, Anita expresses reservation: “I don’t see myself as a Leader… I’ve always wanted to be invisible, so I could avoid being a leader.” She acknowledges a competitive nature she wishes to avoid, instead wanting to focus on more meaningful connections and contributions. She admits to often feeling she simply acts upon what interests her and her passions, letting others take the lead. Despite her claims, I point out that she is a leader in many different sectors and a lot of people look up to her.
Anita began to recognise her leadership roles in projects like the ‘Black Women and Photography Group’ which, in 1987, produced the landmark publication ‘Polareyes’ – a journal by and about Black Women working in photography. Anita as a mother of three children, recalls stepping back during the collective’s formation, but begins to see her actions through a leadership lens. “I think it began when I was a child… I was the eldest, and there was a lot of responsibility.”
Identity and Self-Reflection
Being from an African-Indian Caribbean background, her dual heritage informs Anita’s identity. She explains, “I see myself as mixed heritage.” Her journey toward understanding this duality has involved navigating challenges around internalised racism, visibility and representation. “What it means to be not easily identified on the Indian side has been a painful and difficult journey.” Recently, through her creative lens, she is embracing this identity and its historical significance in community healing. “There is a unique perspective… there is so much healing to do.” She recognises that the complexities of her identity drive her to ensure effective representation in her work.
Success and Fulfilment
Anita’s definition of success has evolved over time. Reflecting on her early experiences in the photography community, she relayed feelings of inadequacy, saying as a mother, “I saw people begin to soar… I kept thinking to myself, ‘your time will come.’” Now, success is defined by personal fulfilment and creative expression rather than external validation, emphasising the joy of finishing a project she is proud of. “For me, that’s where success is now.”
Creating Space for Well-Being
Through self-care and self-awareness, Anita emphasises the importance of making space for personal needs. “I found that when I started to nap, it was so liberating.” She encourages others to listen to their bodies and establish environments conducive to their well-being. In navigating the complexities of trust and criticism, Anita shares her experiences of self-inquiry: “You have to really delve into it and ask yourself… why do I feel the way that I feel?” This introspection builds a deeper trust in oneself, allowing for greater empathy and compassion toward self and others.
Legacy and Future Aspirations
As the conversation closes, Anita reflects on her legacy as a community builder and photographer. “The first thing that comes into my head is that I was a family person,” emphasising the interplay between her personal and professional life. Further, she acknowledges the importance of documenting stories that resonate with her community and ensuring that their narratives are told authentically. “I think that it’s really important… to create a legacy that will be there long after I’ve gone.” She embodies the idea that her work not only serves to uplift her family and community but also pays homage to those who paved the way before her.
This image of Anita McKensie was illustrated by Tinuke Fagborun and commissioned by The Ubele Initiative.
