#15 See Me In A Bikini: Do or Die…JoAnne Epps
Temple University Acting President JoAnne Epps passed out and died in September 2023, she was a black woman administrator. At the age of 72 she took on a role as an interim president, and not too long after her life was gone.
I am currently a black woman academic, and I too have ailments that if I do not take care of — can lead to my demise. I am currently overweight, stressed, and have fibroids…I have noticed that my wounds don’t heal as quickly — and I am tired all the time. There has to be a shift, and I have to slow down. My body has been used as two machines for so long, now I do not have any more gas. The folks say, “You have to work 10 times as hard as a black person…” and you have to work 20 times harder as a black woman…We are nurturers, caregivers, leaders at our jobs, sisters, mothers, wives, counselors, and more. Most of the jobs we do are not compensated, they are stored in our bodies as extra fat, tumors, anxiety, and even death…Death of multiple parts in our lives — the mind, body, and spirit…Sometimes the mind goes first or the body…Also death of our relationships, challenges keeping fruitful and healthy relationships due to the pressures of the job and unseen expectations placed on our roles. Many black women writers, scholars, and artists have provided much needed commentary on the need of black women to rest and take care of themselves. Audre Lorde stated, “Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.” Tricia Hersey, writer, performance artist and reverend - has written multiple books about it, including Rest Is Resistance: A Manifesto. Dr. Imani Perry just released, A Dangerously High Threshold For Pain on Audibles that shares her own healing journey. Dr. Venus E.Evans-Winters has also created a whole platform where black women can find solace with Planet Venus Institute. We are currently seeing a wave of black women resisting the throws of capitalism, racism, and sexism on our bodies — to protect ourselves. We must protect ourselves — and in doing so — we protect the legacy of JoAnn Epps.
I know that I have to give myself at this moment 100% of my attention to turn this boat around, though the tides are heavy and winds are strong. I am embarking on Phase 1 of saving my life- a 45 day liquid fast of water, tea, and fresh juice. Phase 1 will include yoga and light aerobics (i.e. walking and dancing) with weights. My goal is to loose 30–40 lbs…After I complete Phase 1, I will go onto Phase 2 which will be a rigorous workout/diet plan with a coach, and Phase 3 will be sealing healthy habits into my life…
I can not give up, though — I really want to at times…It’s lonely embarking on such a change…It evolves a shift of the mind, a real desire to want something different. Yet, I want to live longer — I still have many more years in this body…I have to preserve her with all my might….
