Chapter 51
I last posted right before I signed off to enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation, during which I celebrated my birthday. My time away also marked the 13th anniversary of our annual trip to the Newport Jazz Festival and as with prior years, it did not disappoint! This year was the 70th anniversary of the festival, and while I’m sure that some of the jazz purists in attendance were dissatisfied with the number of non-jazz performers included in the line-up, it did not bother me one bit.
Every year, my husband Safiy and I reflect on our Newport Jazz Festival experience – highlights, lowlights, and what we would do differently the following year. I can’t help it – it’s the occupational hazard of being trained as an applied researcher (and for him, being married to one). This year, I shared how privileged and honestly lucky we’ve been to be able to do the trek to Newport uninterrupted since 2011.
Let’s break this down…
Since 2011, I have had five different employers (including myself) and Safiy has had three (including himself).
Every year that we worked for other people, we secured time off and received paid leave.
Every year, we had the financial resources at our disposal – including credit cards that were not maxed out – to secure tickets and lodging and pay for food and other activities while on the trip.
Every year, we were mentally and physically healthy enough to plan for and make the trip.
Every year, our car was registered and insured and in good mechanical shape to transport us safely.
Every year, we were free from harm and violence during the trip.
Every year, no life emergencies occurred that would have forced us to cancel our trip.
And every year when friends have joined us, much of the above had to fall into place for them AND we were able to coordinate our plans.
When I think about all the things that have had to fall into place every single year since 2011, I am in absolute awe. I think it is safe to say that prior to this year, I have taken for granted that the next Newport Jazz Festival trip would automatically happen. I’m guessing that with my mother-in-law passing, the genocide in Gaza and other atrocities happening globally, and fully stepping into my 50s has given me a different level of awareness and appreciation. Awareness and appreciation for all the things that have fallen into place which have allowed me to enjoy an experience that brings me absolute joy. Now, I am also aware of and recognize that forces beyond our control may one day interrupt our annual trip. I say this without any anxiety at all. I am just naming the truth.
Building on the theme of reflection, each birthday, I usually find myself reflecting on what my life has turned out to be and what I imagined as a little girl. This year, my thoughts took me to two characters that I love – Wonder Woman and Princess Leia.
I imagine that it’s virtually impossible to find a woman my age who grew up watching the Wonder Woman television series who is not a fan of Wonder Woman. Lynda Carter amazingly brought this kick-ass heroine to life, with her superhuman strength, invisible jet, truth lasso, tiara and bracelets. Week after week, I enjoyed watching her spin as she prepared to best the baddies. And oh – how absolutely excited I was when I got my Underoos! I can’t help but smile when I recall these memories.
As much as I love Wonder Woman, Princess Leia is the character that has influenced me the most (RIP Carrie Fisher). Notwithstanding the turn that George Lucas took in Return of the Jedi, Princess Leia modeled for me a woman in her full power and agency – on equal footing with the men – fighting the evil Empire. She had a mouth and wasn’t afraid to use it, which I fully envied.
I grew up conditioned that children (and women) had to be respectful to adults (and men). Respectful was often translated as not talking back and I really struggled being “put in my place” when I asked certain questions and spoke certain truths. I guess it does not come as a surprise that I ended up pursuing a PhD, where I was rewarded for asking questions and speaking truths. But even with a PhD, I have learned that there are still questions and truths that come with consequences with certain people and in certain environments, especially when the questions and truths come from a Black Puerto Rican woman from the Boogie Down Bronx.
As an adult, I have come to really appreciate how much Princess Leia’s decision to take a stand was a choice. Her privilege as a princess and all that meant was lost on me as a child. As an adult who has attained a level of privilege that was not accessible to many of the adults in my family and community, I see clearly that she could have made a very different choice. However, in deciding to leverage her privilege and join the rebel alliance, she demonstrated how much the fight against injustice – in every form it takes – is all of our fight.
For Chapter 51, I will continue to use my privilege to do the things I enjoy with the people that I love throughout the year. I will also be channeling Princess Leia in my ongoing efforts to bend the arc towards justice – in solidarity and with love.
May the force be with you.
Reflection Questions
What privileges do you have that enable you to do things you enjoy with the people you love?
How can you leverage your privilege to address injustice?
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