Sneak preview of the FOREWORD in my book, RESILIENCE, written by Queen Venita Burleson-Reynolds .
"When I saw the small lisp of a young woman with the bearing of a queen, reciting a poem at President Joe Biden’s Inauguration I was immediately reminded of the author of this book: Dr. Marilyn Easter, affectionately known as Dr. E. “We will rise from the sunbaked south. . . . For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it. If only we’re brave enough to be it.” Amanda Gorman wrote about the Black experience in general, but it also describes the personal journey of Dr. E.
What do Nobel laureates, Grammy winners, and Olympians have in common? They have the ability to draw on a reservoir of courage, strength, and wisdom to sustain them. In writing “RESILIENCE” Dr. E. has given us a powerfully written novel that narrates the journey of her heroine Emma, who has survived so much to stand in her own personal power.
I have known Dr. E. for over 55 years, through tears, triumphs and tragedies, and what has remained true through the years has been her courage. What has stopped many in their ability to fight the odds, obstacles, and opposition, has only served to fuel her. Many, many sleepless nights, tear-soaked pillows, anguished prayers-and still the courage to show up as the only tenured African American in her department for over 20 years. When it would have been easier to quit, capitulate, or just numbly assimilate into an academic culture that dismissed, disparaged and disregarded her and everyone that looked like her, she chose to fight and prevail. Not only for herself, but to provide opportunities for those same marginalized students following her.
Much like Emma, the heroine of her novel, she chose to be brave. Grace and grit were the weapons she mastered to stand, survive, and ultimately thrive. Where in the world did she learn to use this artillery to combat systemic and institutional racism entrenched in all of society, and most especially in academia? I’m convinced the arsenal that was entrusted to her came from a rich childhood of faith in God—that He would give her the strength, wisdom, and favor to succeed. Equipped also with the knowledge of who she truly was, and the knowledge that sustained her through the storm.
Dr. E. is more than a widely regarded tenured Professor, author and authority in her field, she is a FORCE and a catalyst of greatness for others. It has been my great pleasure to see how her expertise and encouragement have elevated my group, Reclaimed Queens in Blue Jeans Ministry who serve thousands online weekly.
There are so many incredibly valuable lessons to be garnered in this phenomenal book, it’s a classic to be read over and over again. The wealth of her own personal story, and the gems that this book contains are the hard-won lessons of how to demonstrate power, consistency, and confidence. The truth is that this book shows when you have clarity enough to see light, are bold enough to believe light, and audaciously brave enough to be light, miracles occur."
Pastor Venita Reynolds
Founder of Reclaimed Queens in Blue Jeans Ministry,
Pomona Cultural Arts Commissioner
Get your copy @ https://www.amazon.com/.../ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp...