Anna Maria Horsford was born and raised in the vibrant neighborhood of Harlem, New York, where she developed a unique cultural identity shaped by her parents' Caribbean roots. Her parents, who hailed from the beautiful island nation of Antigua & Barbuda in the West Indies, immigrated to the United States during the 1940s, bringing with them a rich cultural heritage that would influence Anna's upbringing. As a child, Anna struggled to find her place, feeling neither fully American nor West Indian, but rather somewhere in between. However, her love for the Caribbean was sparked during a family vacation, and this ignited a desire to explore the world beyond her hometown.
Anna's mother recognized her daughter's boundless energy and enthusiasm, and encouraged her to pursue her passion for the performing arts. She enrolled Anna in various community programs, after-school activities, and church events, which helped her develop her skills and build confidence. Anna's big break came when she auditioned for the prestigious New York High School of Performing Arts, and she was thrilled to be accepted. She also landed a role at the New York Shakespeare Festival, a milestone that marked the beginning of her successful career.
Throughout her journey, Anna has had the opportunity to explore different aspects of the entertainment industry, including directing and teaching. She has also established an Art Institute in upstate New York, where she shares her knowledge and expertise with aspiring artists. Anna's father, a Garveyite who followed the teachings of Marcus Garvey, instilled in her a strong sense of pride and self-acceptance. He lived in Liberia for five years, and Anna credits him with teaching her to love and celebrate her black heritage, rather than being ashamed of it. As she so eloquently put it, "We are all warriors, and we must work together to achieve our goals."
