I'm a strong BLACK WOMAN... with a new piercing!

Hello good people. After the head rushing success of last week’s blog (over 500 views!), I decided I needed to get personal. This blog is more of a testament to me, the strong, independent opinionated librarian you all are learning to love.

Well... something like that.  

What brought this on? This week I did an Earth shattering thing for a newly graduated Black professional of 46… I got a Monroe piercing. Yes… 

How radical. It was my way of celebrating my harrowing journey of 7 years of graduate school. Yes. Seven. And no… I don’t have a PhD. What I do have are two Masters degrees. Two hard fought Masters degrees, motivated by one conversation I had before I even made it in to graduate school… 

*fade into story mode*

A well meaning upper-middle classed white female Archaeologist/professor denied my request to write a letter of recommendation for me to get into the Anthropology program. Her reason was that I wasn’t dedicated enough to make it in graduate school. She based her opinion on the fact that I chose to miss class because I had to work. From that day on, I was determined that by hell or high waters, I would prove her wrong.

*exit story mode*

My graduate school years were anything but easy. I was divorced, moved to another city, my father died, I got re-married, got divorced again, and moved to a third city… all while trudging along the path to graduation. Every day of my life for the last ten years, I’ve had class of some kind. I’ve worked part time, full time, danced professionally, hustling several “gigs” at once… all with one goal in mind; graduation.

So… fast forward to 2016… After much gnashing of teeth and crying of tears, I was finally given the green light. Masters of Science in Anthropology and Masters of Library Science. Ms. Archaeologist said I wasn’t dedicated enough to get one, and here I am with TWO Masters degrees. (Take that naysaying professor). And it was here that I was faced with the scariest reality of my life.

I AM A 46 YEAR OLD PART-TIME LIBRARIAN WITH NO INSURANCE.

My dream of being scooped up upon graduation has not manifested.  Like many other newly graduated professionals, I am watching all my job prospects dissolve... leaving me with... me. 

My promise to myself was that when I graduated, I would celebrate with a Monroe piercing, something I’ve always wanted. Unfortunately, faced with the task of entering the tight and demanding job market, I was afraid of how it would hinder me professionally. What doors would be closed because of my natural hair, multiple piercings (I already have a nose ring and several earrings… and a defunct tongue piercing…) and tattoos. EGAD. But then… the silence of employers made me realize one very important lesson. No matter who hires me, I have to be true to me.

The real truth is this. I’m bad arse. Period. I have a Masters degree in Anthropology AND one in Library Science. I have a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics. (How many Black women can say that?) I’ve already taught hundreds of Black children who have grown to be wonderful successful members of society. I’ve conducted unique and groundbreaking research here in New Orleans and I help young college students every day to be successful through research and technology. So. I’ve earned the right to be me. To do me. No one has to approve me. I can make my own way.

So. That’s what I’m doing. This piercing was my way of reclaiming my soul. This piercing solidifies my worth as a Black professional who can define my own terms. If no one hires me, screw them. I know how to create my own roads. I spent 7 years learning to be a bad arse. I’m ready to show the world me. I hope the world is ready!

So... Here's a video for those that requested to see me in person. I was in "going to bed" mode and made this video to see if it works. It was the most genuine take I've done, so you get the raw and uncut, wild fro "Afro Librarian". I hope you can hear me... Please leave comments etc (Be nice... or I'll find you... cuz I'm a researcher) letting me know about the sound quality etc of the video. 

Til next time, 

Peace and light

The Afro Librarian