Currently reading fiction and nonfiction, alternating one J. California Cooper short story with one or two Jessica Valenti chapters.
The Strong Black Woman, How a Myth Endangers the Physical and Mental Health of Black Women by Marita Golden
Non-fiction
Mango Publishing, October 12, 2021
Our TWWBF2021 interview here: https://youtu.be/dQ5lIMx66Vo
With a mix of surgical precision, lyrical phrasing, keen observations, testimonies, and profound insights from the author, experts in assorted fields of study, and a broad spectrum of other Black women, The Strong Black Woman challenges and deconstructs pervasive stereotypes superimposed upon them to reveal the inherently valuable and complicated humanity of Black women as worthy of consciously choosing to prioritize their own physical, medical, mental, and spiritual health.
Fat. Ugly. Loud. Angry. Wrong. Crazy. Lazy. Jezebel. Bitch.
In “We Wear the Mask" the first of twelve thought-provoking chapters, the author writes:
All life begins with, is defined by, even ends with a story. The stories and myths we create and repeat become sacred… But stories are elastic, and require revision over time or they risk becoming brittle, dissolving into crumbs that leave us famished rather than fed.
What false and distorted and incomplete narratives have been constructed about Black women—by whom and for what purpose? The Strong Black Woman delves into the historical, cultural, sociopolitical, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to this entrenched myth of the invincible, indefatigable defender of and provider for her family, her community, her culture, and any/everyone who needs her.
“Both Sides Now" outlines the ultimate goal of reconfiguring the myth to reflect a healthier objective:
The New Age Strong Black Woman gives herself permission to say no and make it a one-word sentence and makes self-care a regular part of her life.
Black women tell their own stories in their own words in “Through the Fire” and a creative filter is applied to the reminiscing of Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Fanny Lou Hamer, and Patrisse Cullors in “The Reimagined History of My Heart" that acknowledges and examines the emotional vulnerabilities of these civil rights and social justice icons.
“The Story of My Body" translates words as weapons and shields while the physical body functions as repository, target, chalice, temple, fortress, home.
“Me Too" discusses sexual assault and the traumas it generates in the moment and over time.*
Colorism, prioritizing superficial traits, physical and emotional weight as cumbersome burdens for the body, mind, and spirit to carry are dismantled in “Fear Loathing Love: Our Bodies Inside Out" and “Falling: Days of Dying, Rage and Redemption” addresses the simultaneous pandemics of Coronavirus and racism as opportunities for transformation.
“Another Mourning in America” spotlights the aftermath of the public murders of Black people by racists, and the epidemic of mass killings in the United States.
The final two chapters of “Say My Name” and “Healing Stories" offer suggestions and strategies for expecting recognition as a unique individual and unearthing the core truths of one's multifaceted, complex identity.
The Strong Black Woman packs considerable intellectual and emotional substance into a relatively short and accessible text that entices readers to take note of other books mentioned and to revisit and ruminate on various passages. Threads of advocacy for normalizing consistent, easy access to the services of medical and mental health professionals run throughout the text. Written during the spring and summer seasons of 2020, and with Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and other prominent Black women who are promoting the importance of self-care, the release of this book is serendipitously timed.
The Write Women Book Fest is pleased and thankful to have been granted access to an ARC in preparation for our upcoming chat with the author for #TWWBF2021 #CelebratingLove, to be available for viewing during the first week of October.
https://www.thewritewomenbookfest.org/
*Survivors of sexual assault may want to skip our skim this section if details of others’ ordeals trigger painful responses that negatively impact their healing process.
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