My French and Scottish heritage no longer prevails or is seen. Born Harriette Macauley in London at 1.35am, only traces of my heritage remain, encapsulated in the fibres of my soul and creativity.
My first name is Harriette, as engraved on my birth certificate. A result of the French volatilisation in the Caribbean, a history dark, yet true, which has left little trace of my family heritage.
Growing up and going to a middle-upper class school in London, my teachers shortened my name to Harriet!
My surname is Macauley, passed down from my white Scottish grandfather, who I loved dearly and remember well. A very strange experience for a young girl who would sit and play with her grandfather on his wheel chair, not recognising the difference in skin colour but knowing there is a difference.
My life is challenging in the face of stereo-typical mentalities and individuals who lack knowledge, education and intellect on the world in which they live, yet my Blackness is unique.
I am an Artist, Choreographer, Dancer, Director. My heritage is rich, robust compelling and all-powering.
Ms Harriette Macauley – they call me Harriet.
Inspired by Wild Is the Wild, Nina Simone, track “Four Women” written by Nina Simone and Produced by Hal Mooney of Verve Reissues. (1966)
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