| Abstrakt: |
Pursuing a path to the academy I find the same system of privileged gatekeeping that ended my passion for journalism—“stories” are not facts and lived experiences don't matter in a quest to change the world. In teaching I find certainty this is where I belong but publish or perish is a constant companion navigating the abyss. On my wa/onderings, grace greets me with mentors at every phase who know how to guide and provide for a womanist to tell stories of Black women's lives. Generosity, opportunity, community, and care support my path to tenure and beyond. The stories I tell give voice, create knowledge, decolonize—and a new vision for gatekeeping affirms a Black girl's song matters. |
