Tag: DrGsReflections

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Black Joy, Celebration, Dr. G's Travels

Dr. G’s #WestAfricanJourneyTravels!!-Day 7: Reflections on Senegal

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

My My My!! What can I say! This trip has been one for the books!! As I have said many times before, I am truly thankful and blessed that I have been able to venture into another beautiful country in Africa. Senegal you made me feel at home! Nothing like discovering what the world has to offer! Senegal has just added to the wonders of amazement that I have when it comes to traveling. I have become even more informed by the history, the culture, and the people.

In deep conversation with a fellow traveler

In many ways, it was a full circle moment coming to Senegal as I remember in my MA program in Africana Studies at Georgia State University, my Proseminar professor Dr. Dunham introduced us to such greats as Cheikh Anta Diop and Léopold Sédar Senghor and then I got a chance to walk where they walked. With each African country that I visit it is as though I’m adding another piece to the puzzle. Just making one visit would dispel so many myths. Cause let me tell you, while there is a gradual rise in Black/African Americans coming to the continent, trust other folks (especially Europeans) are coming in droves. So why can’t we enjoy the splendors of the continent?! Now I do not have an exact answer as to why so many come, but part of me feels like it is to fulfill some illusion of who Africans are in society.

Senegal offers another African perspective that I feel gets overshadowed by more popular and modern countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, and South African, but there is plenty to showcase…Everything from:

  • The significance of the Baobab tree
  • To the importance of Goree Island
  • To growing communities like Akon City
  • The animal reserves and the need for preservation
  • How the Senegalese navigate traffic (lol)
  • The fact that if there is money to be made it does not matter how late in the night it could, folks will put in the work
  • That yummy Senegalese coffee and Bissap juice
  • I even got to practice my French!!
  • And the food, LORD HAVE MERCY…Having fresh seafood, fruits and veggies on a daily and bread that doesn’t make you feel heavy…It make sense why their skin is flawless and they barely look their age.

While yes there is a deep-seated history rooted in slavery, we still manage to come out on top! We do not have rest in the trauma and tragedy, there is light and it is shining bright!

I also appreciate how many of the locals, guides, and friends are not only welcoming but in some cases protective. It was as if I had never met a stranger. This first week has been such an inspiring time and I know our time in Ghana will just continue to build on that foundation. Even now just being able to reflect on my thoughts with the birds chirping in the background and a nice cool breeze, I’m definitely in my happy place with my people!

Photo by Amaury Michaux on Pexels.com

Confirming Moment: While taking in the day at a game reserve about 40 mins outside of Gambia, I got a chance to talk with an ornithologist and share my love for travel, especially within Africa. During our conversation, he asked me what I did and what brought me here. To which I replied I am a university professor and I love coming home. He then answered, “yes you are African…and your willingness, love, and excitement to visit proves just that without question.” Another definining moment to add to the bank! I needed to hear that when I did!!

Halfway through the first part of the journey!!

Week 1 is done and my cup runneth over! Thank you, Senegal my mind, body, and spirit are full.

The next post you see will be the second half of my #WestAfricanJourneyTravels in Ghana!! As always I look forward to sharing with you!

See you all soon … In Ghana!! ~Dr. G

Posted in A Professor's Thoughts..., Celebration

Dr. G’s Reflections…”Another School Year in the Books!!”

Posted on by drblackfuturefeminist

2022-2023 another school has come and made its mark in the universe. You know I have to say it every time I write these reflections, I LOVE WHAT I DO!! However, this year is the beginning of what is going to be a continuous cycle of the floodgate of tears! This year’s class of 2023 is really special as this is the first class of students that I have seen since they were freshmen entering VCU!! Many of these students have been in at least two of my classes…I have watched them grow and mature…I have seen their struggles and their wins…I’ve met their parents, relatives and children…And seeing them walk across the stage and become graduates…It is truly a blessing to see the impact one can make in a matter of a few short years. Just take a look and see below….

Memories from VCU AFAM Graduation-Spring 2023

Not only is this year been special because of the new graduates, but also because I made it through a major career milestone. I made it through the half-way point of my tenure-track process…the third-year review!! Gathering documents, writing professional statements, obtaining references from students, updating my CV, experiencing teaching evaluations, and so much more…talk about an intense process…But I made it!! I will admit not only was this an experience of strength and dedication, but one of reflection. Going back and looking at all the work that I have done in these three years just blows my mind. I know I’m a hard worker, but just looking back and seeing it all documented on paper (physically and digitally) takes it to another level. This review process also showed me how wide and vast my community of support is and the impact they make on me. Shout out to all those who looked over my essays, shared their past experiences with the process, gave insight, gave an encouraging word, served as cheerleaders, calmed my nerves, took me out for a drink, or were just a listening ear. I think some folks do not realize the role they have in either bringing someone down, or elevating them to the highest heights! All in all, and in all honesty I am thankful for both because I know who to continue to take with me on my journey and who to let go.

In addition to my own research endeavors, I was super excited to mentor and advise several of my Capstone students as they presented at the 2023 VCU Undergraduate Research Symposium!! I was thoroughly impressed with their research projects and super proud to see them share it with the VCU community!!

AFAM Capstone Students presenting at the 2023 VCU Poster Symposium for Undergraduate Research and Creativity

2022-2023 as noted in the title has definitely been one for the books! I had three chapters come out in edited collections, a solo article on the role of Black girl storytelling in comic books, served as a keynote for VCU Dentistry school and Culpeper, VA’s first “CulpeperCon”, and to culminate everything I received my universities inaugural “Faculty Champion Award”.

In addition, to witnessing the success of my VCU students and my own, I also got a chance to celebrate one of my mentees and BFF intern Jaya Robinson as she graduated from high school and is headed to Spelman College (AUC Love!!)!

I will say this at the end of every semester and school year, I am always hyped and re-energized. Whatever feelings I had, depending on the type, were further magnified or lessened to make room for the good. So as I prepare for another productive summer, I can’t help but reflect on the highs, stress, joys, and wins!

Till the next season…

~Dr. G