Angel’s King’s essay in the soon to be released (Her)oics anthology (Pact Press, March 2021) is both humorous and somber – exploring the many ways that being in isolation for months can bring up issues of identity. Angel King Wilson is an author and educator from Baltimore, MD. She is an English Adjunct Professor at Baltimore City Community College. She self-published her first book, “Am I Doing This Right?” in May 2019.
Below is an excerpt from Angel’s essay, Lost Woman, and a little more about Angel’s experience.
Just a Reminder: Many of our writers will be reading from their work at these events. Please check them out and register to join us. There are many dates and themes to choose from! The first in launch day, March 11. All are free and virtual.
Excerpt from Lost Woman, (Her)oics:
“At a young age I learned that success and independence were topnotch goals for black women. In third grade I knew every word to the
Destiny’s Child song, “Independent Woman.” My friends and I sang
along, and the lyrics made us want to grow up to become ladies who
were liberated, self-sufficient, and confident. The women in my family
and in my small church lived by this code of independence—take care
of yourself and work hard; and most importantly, they always taught
me, a woman does not need a man for anything.”
Angel, I appreciate your essay’s fresh perspective and am glad we get to hear more from you. Can you share three things that got you through the pandemic?
The three things that got me through the pandemic are friendships, therapy, and my relationship with God. My friends have been a great support. I have a small group of close friends who are active listeners and accountability partners. Also, I started therapy in August and it has help me gain self-love, heal from past relationships and become more self-aware with my damaging habits. Lastly, God and my spiritual relationship has always been a significant part of my life. Faith has kept me optimistic and hopeful for my future, even when losing one my jobs and starting my business. It is not easy, but faith keeps me going.
What have you learned in the last year that you hope to hold on to when we emerge?
The main thing I learned in the pandemic is a self-love. The lockdown forced me to be home with myself. I spent more time with my thoughts, I looked in the mirror and actually starting to see myself. I became more concerned with taking care of myself mentally and physically. Honestly, I am grateful for the pandemic. Before I was working two jobs, eating decent meals only when I had time, and constantly concerned with work. I have realized that while living my “normal” life, I was rejecting myself.
Did the pandemic affect your career or work experience? How?
The pandemic gave me a lot more time to be at home. Before the pandemic, I worked two jobs, but one decided to let me go in June. I continued to work as an adjunct professor at a community college. The extra time that I had allowed to start working on my own business as a self-publishing assistant. I’ve helped two people self-publish their books during this time and I am really proud of myself. My website is silentbookspublishing.com
Can you imagine this piece developing into a larger work?
Yes, because when I wrote this piece I did not expect the pandemic to last a year. I would add more to the conclusion about my therapy sessions, healing from past relationships, and growing spiritually.