Craig Washington at Auburn Avenue Research Library
Craig Washington could be forgiven if he has a certain strut in his step these days. His lifetime of community service, building one program after another that lifts up, supports and celebrates SGL (Same Gender Loving) Black men, is written across the history of Atlanta and beyond.
A small sampling of Craig Washington’s influence would include: being the creator of Deeper Love, a program building intimacy and self-care among gay Black men; the co-organizer of the Bayard Rustin-Lorde Community Breakfast; and as a writer of piercing honesty, sharing his personal journey as a gay Black man living with HIV for publications such as Georgia Voice and the incredibly influential blog, The Reckoning, produced by Counter Narrative Project.
And now Craig’s papers and historical documents chronicling the decades have been accepted by the Auburn Avenue Research Library (AARL) on African American Culture and History. This milestone was celebrated at a special event at the library on May 17th.
Part of the Craig Washington exhibit
“This collection means so much to me in two big and connected ways,” Craig told Georgia Voice. “One, because it’s a representation of, a record of, my life and my work. But more so, it’s something I can offer to the community to which I’m most connected, the Black LGBTQ+ community. I was this to also be the impetus for us to develop more resources [for Black LGBTQ+ people].”
So yes, a certain strut would be understandable but, in keeping with Craig’s demeanor of humility and service, was not on display at the event, which brought together nearly every living Black queer leader who has shaped the lives of Black community in Atlanta. Instead, Craig largely shared the spotlight with a collection of speakers who spoke of their work and its intersection with his own. Craig’s devotion, to his friends and to the Black gay community he clearly adores, was a constant refrain during the remarks.
After the event, hugs of gratitude
Speakers included Larry Scott-Walker, Ulester Douglas, Neena Smith-Bankhead, Mary Anne Adams, Nasheedah Bynes, Charles Stephens, and Darlene Hudson. It was hosted by fellow community icon Duncan Teague. The hard-working AARL archivist is Derek Mosley.
Craig and I have known each other for thirty years, since our days working in the education department of the HIV service organization AID Atlanta. It would be fair to say that I still had a lot to learn then, about issues of racism, privilege, and the micro-aggressions with which marginalized people must contend.
Craig offered me the sort of careful friendship during those days that builds with trust, and gave me the kind of subtle, wise social teaching that happens within conversations and with endless patience. I learned from him daily. I also stumbled over my own ignorance and got called out. Then I tried to learn some more.
Mark S. King with Craig Washington at AARL event
White men of privilege like myself are truly blessed if we have teachers like Craig. We’re not entitled to it. It’s a gift when it happens, and I am forever grateful.
The event at the Auburn Avenue Research Library kept its focus where it belonged, on the glorious Black queer community represented by many years of articles, posters, meeting minutes, and the ongoing legacy of a community transformed.
It was sacred Black space. I felt profoundly lucky to be there.
Mark
