The Book Lover's Nook (Flex) - The African-American Self Discovery Experience - Works by Black Writers

As an African-American female growing up in the deep south, one might expect me to have experienced brutal and constant bouts of racism. This is simply not true; in fact, I only experienced one blatant encounter with racism, and it happened when I was just eight years old. I did not even recall the encounter until I was an adult, after having focused targeted attention on race relations during my studies to earn a bachelor's degree that emphasized English and sociology. It was also during those early adult years and through educational enlightenment that I came to understand the realities of micro aggressions, which then allowed me to recall other events that occurred in predominately White classrooms during my upbringing in the deep south. I had, in fact, experienced far more acts of racism than I ever realized. 

My concentrated studies in African-American literature, sociology, and women's studies brought clarity to my questions about my identity as a Black child and now a Black women. Multi-cultural literature studies allowed me to develop a connection with authors like Zora Neale Hurston, Richard Wright, Amy Tan, James Baldwin, Rudolfo Anaya, Toni Morrison, and Alice Walker, just to name a few, where I experienced life-changing moments of self-discovery just as many of the stories' protagonists were experiencing similar changes along their journeys. As I explored information about mine and other marginalized groups, topics such as colorism, Black feminism, racial and gender inequality, systemic racism, and general human interactions, my career aspirations began taking shape. 

During my final semester of college, I interned at a magazine publishing firm, where unknown to me at the time, I would begin applying everything I experienced as a Black female by birth, as a Black child living in the deep south, and as a Black scholar of multi-cultural literature and sociology. The firm specialized in producing stories about minorities and women in business and was a platform for their voices to ring out about inequalities as they showcased their talents and abilities. Upon graduation I was offered a full-time position there, which I accepted, and I worked with that firm for more than a decade – earning the title of Editorial Director. In that position I directed the firm's mission to connect with the community and promote the talent and richness of diverse entrepreneurs. I was able to face the covert racial undertones that characterized my life in the deep south and that shaped who I became as a Black woman – one who now lives in the great state of Texas, the birthplace of Juneteenth.

Throughout my career I continued tutoring children, and after retiring as an Editorial Director, I continued freelancing for other magazines while teaching high school English. My writing continues to center on diversity inclusion, and I continue tutoring students of all ages -- in humanities-based subjects but with an emphasis on English and sociological concepts that explore realities facing marginalized groups. Education helped me become and understand who I am. My life and career have indeed come full circle, and I enjoy helping students along a path that will hopefully yield similar results.