The Power of Autobiography: Sis, Your Story Is Valuable, Tell It
Reading women’s herStory to the next generation
Introduction
Celebrating Women's HERstory Through the Art of Storytelling
As we work our way through March, embracing both Women's HERstory Month and National Reading Month, let's delve into a world where these two themes converge beautifully: the realm of autobiography. Memoirs and autobiographies, particularly by black women, offer more than just a story; they provide life lessons, inspiration, and a deep personal connection. For mothers everywhere, these stories resonate profoundly, offering guidance, comfort, and a shared sense of journey.
Welcome to the third part of our series, blending Women's History with National Reading Month. So far, we've honored the tales of mothers and caretakers throughout various epochs and literary forms. (Check out our previous entries: 100+ Books for HERstory and The Feminism You Didn’t Know You Needed). Today, we're focusing on the profound social significance of autobiographies by black women.
Writing that Connects the personal with the political
Why Autobiography Matters
In the realm of storytelling, autobiographies serve as windows into people's lives. But did you know that black women in the U.S. have been sharing their stories since the days of slavery? These narratives weren't just personal tales—they were potent tools for speaking out against injustice.
From slavery onwards, black women have used their own experiences to challenge the status quo. Their autobiographies aren't confined to individual journeys; they also illuminate broader issues like politics and societal norms.
Unlike traditional autobiographies focusing solely on individual triumphs, black women's stories often intertwine personal experiences with wider societal concerns. They delve into what it means to be a citizen and shoulder responsibility for one's community.
Black women's autobiographies stand as a unique tradition within the broader literary landscape. They possess a distinct voice, offering narratives that differ from those told by black men or white women, shedding light on a different kind of struggle.
These narratives prompt us to reconsider our notions of identity and societal change. Rather than adhering to conventional narratives, black women's autobiographies start from a different perspective. For instance, while some men may view freedom as triumphing over an oppressor, women like Harriet Jacobs redefine freedom as reclaiming control over their bodies.
These stories aren't just relics of the past, they challenge our present-day understanding. By centering black women's experiences, they disrupt prevailing narratives about race and gender, offering fresh perspectives on freedom and justice.
Ultimately, black women's autobiographies are more than just stories—they're acts of resistance. They remind us that everyone's story holds significance, and by sharing our experiences, we can effect change. Let's listen, learn, and continue telling our stories, for they hold the key to shaping a more just and equitable future.
A mother in the belly of hell, fighting to bring something good back
Featured Autobiographies, Memoirs, and Their Teachings
In celebrating these stories, let’s delve into a selection of memoirs that every mother should consider adding to her reading list:
"I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou: Maya Angelou’s memoir captures her early years of navigating life in the Jim Crow South. Through her narrative, Angelou illustrates how strength, courage, and the power of words can emerge from racism and trauma, shaping her into a celebrated poet, memoirist, and activist.
"Around the Way Girl" by Taraji P. Henson: Taraji P. Henson reflects on her life from her upbringing in Washington D.C. to her gradual ascent in Hollywood. Her memoir is an open and honest portrayal of the obstacles she faced on her path to stardom, highlighting perseverance and resilience.
"A Piece of Cake" by Cupcake Brown: Cupcake Brown’s memoir is a raw and compelling narrative of overcoming adversity. From a childhood marked by abuse and addiction to achieving personal and professional success, Brown’s story is a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
"Assata: An Autobiography" by Assata Shakur: In her autobiography, Assata Shakur delves into her life as a political activist, her involvement with the Black Panther Party, her incarceration, and her eventual asylum in Cuba. Shakur’s narrative is a powerful reflection on injustice, resistance, and survival.
"We're Going to Need More Wine: Stories That Are Funny, Complicated, and True" by Gabrielle Union: Gabrielle Union shares a collection of essays that traverse her experiences with humor and depth. Touching on race, gender, fame, and family, Union’s stories resonate with honesty and insight into her multifaceted life.
"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" by Harriet Jacobs: Harriet Jacobs’ autobiography offers a firsthand account of her life under slavery, her struggle for freedom, and her determination to protect her children. Jacobs' narrative provides a poignant exploration of the brutal realities of slavery and her courageous fight for dignity and liberation.
"Infamous Mothers: Women Who’ve Gone through the Belly of Hell and Brought Something Back” by Sagashus Levingston: Sagashus Levingston's book profiles women who have faced significant adversities, including poverty, violence, and addiction, and has emerged with powerful stories of resilience and empowerment. It's an inspiring look at the strength and transformation of women who refused to be defined by their circumstances.
"Worthy" by Jada Pinkett Smith: In her memoir, Jada Pinkett Smith shares her journey from a challenging childhood in Baltimore, her involvement in the drug trade, to her deep connection with Tupac Shakur and her rise in Hollywood. The book is a candid exploration of her life, struggles with mental health, and her relationships, culminating in a story of self-acceptance and spiritual healing.
"The Mother of Black Hollywood: A Memoir" by Jenifer Lewis: Jenifer Lewis, known as the "Mother of Black Hollywood," shares her journey from a Midwestern girl with dreams of stardom to achieving fame on the big screen and television. Her memoir is a candid and hilarious account of her life, detailing her struggles with mental health, her experiences in Hollywood, and the life lessons she learned along the way. Lewis's story is a testament to resilience, filled with insights from a life that has seen both great challenges and triumphs.
"Finding Me" by Viola Davis: This memoir by Viola Davis is an exploration of her life, from her childhood in poverty to becoming one of the most revered actresses in Hollywood. Davis shares her experiences with brutal honesty, highlighting the challenges she faced and how she overcame them to find her true self and achieve tremendous success in the entertainment industry.
"Year of Yes" by Shonda Rhimes: In this candid and witty book, Shonda Rhimes, the creator of hit TV shows like "Grey's Anatomy" and "Scandal," recounts how saying "yes" to everything for a year changed her life. Rhimes shares how this decision led to personal growth, greater happiness, and unexpected achievements.
"PHD to PhD: How Education Saved My Life" by Elaine Richardson: This powerful memoir tells the story of Elaine Richardson's journey from a life of drugs and prostitution to becoming a professor of education. Richardson's story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the possibility of recovery and redemption.
"We Should All Be Millionaires" by Rachel Rodgers: Rachel Rodgers argues that with the right mindset and strategies, women can achieve financial independence and wealth. This book provides practical advice on building wealth and dismantling the barriers that prevent many from achieving financial success.
"Walk Through Fire: A Memoir of Love, Loss and Triumph" by Sheila Johnson: Sheila Johnson, co-founder of BET and the first African American woman billionaire, shares her deeply personal journey through love, loss, and triumph. From her beginnings as a young violinist to overcoming personal and professional challenges and achieving immense success, Johnson's memoir is an inspiring story of resilience and empowerment.
“A Pot to P*ss In” by Sagashus Levingston - Before achieving financial stability or establishing a credit score, Dr. Sagashus Levingston harnessed the power of her journey to secure her ideal home, defying all odds. (Coming October 2024)
Securing her own “pot”
Common Themes and Relevance
These memoirs, while diverse in their stories, share common themes: resilience in the face of hardship, the journey towards self-discovery, and the balancing act of various life roles. They offer a lens through which mothers can view their own experiences, finding solidarity, inspiration, and perhaps even solutions to their struggles. Most importantly, these women all bring something back to society and make a difference.
Using autobiography to build your resilience toolkit
Lessons, Takeaways, and Tips to Build a Legendary Mothering Practice
Drawing inspiration from the powerful stories of resilience, transformation, and triumph found in the autobiographies of diverse women, this blog post aims to translate these narratives into actionable lessons and tips for mothers. As an empowerment coach specializing in supporting mothers, I believe that the wisdom gleaned from these stories can significantly empower your mothering experience.
1. Embrace Your Unique Journey
Lesson: Just as each autobiography reveals a unique path filled with its own set of challenges and victories, remember that your mothering journey is distinctly yours. Avoid comparing your path with others.
Tip: Keep a journal of your mothering experiences, highlighting both the challenges and the joys. This practice can help you recognize and celebrate the uniqueness of your journey, much like the memoirs of Maya Angelou or Viola Davis.
2. Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Lesson: The stories of Cupcake Brown and Assata Shakur teach us about the incredible strength that lies in resilience. Despite facing overwhelming odds, they persisted and overcame.
Tip: Develop a resilience toolkit for tough days. This could include affirmations, a support network of friends or family, and mindfulness practices like meditation or yoga. When faced with adversity, remind yourself of your strength and resilience.
3. The Power of Self-Discovery
Lesson: Many of these women, including Jada Pinkett Smith and Elaine Richardson, embarked on profound journeys of self-discovery that were pivotal to their success and well-being.
Tip: Dedicate time to self-reflection and exploration. Engage in activities that allow you to connect with yourself on a deeper level, such as reading, art, or nature walks. Understanding yourself can be a powerful tool in navigating the complexities of motherhood.
4. Balancing Acts
Lesson: The memoirs of Shonda Rhimes and Gabrielle Union highlight the juggling act of managing multiple roles. They remind us that balance is not about perfection but about making choices that align with our values and priorities.
Tip: Prioritize tasks and set boundaries around your time and energy. Learn to say no to commitments that do not serve you or your family's well-being. Remember, it's okay to ask for help when you need it.
5. Making a Difference
Lesson: From the environmental activism of Wangari Maathai to the educational advocacy of Elaine Richardson, these women used their experiences to contribute to societal change.
Tip: Think about the values you want to instill in your children and the legacy you wish to leave. Small actions, such as volunteering, advocating for causes you care about, or simply leading by example, can make a significant impact.
6. Finding Solidarity and Support
Lesson: The shared experiences in these memoirs underscore the importance of community and support. No one navigates their journey alone, and there is strength in solidarity.
Tip: Seek out communities that resonate with you, whether online or in-person. Support groups, book clubs, or mothering circles can provide a space to share, learn, and find solace in shared experiences.
A personal story that is global
Conclusion: A Journey of Continuous Learning and Growth
As we explore these memoirs, let us be inspired by the courage, resilience, and transformative power of these remarkable women. Their stories remind us that our experiences as mothers are valuable, not just to our families, but to the world. Your story is a vital thread in the fabric of HERstory. By embracing your journey, learning from adversity, and supporting one another, we can empower ourselves and each other to navigate the complexities of motherhood with grace, strength, and wisdom.
Join the Conversation
I invite you to share your experiences, reflections, and the lessons you've drawn from your journey as a mother. Are there other memoirs that have inspired you? Do you have stories of resilience, self-discovery, or making a difference that you wish to share? Let's continue this conversation and grow together, one story at a time. Remember, in telling our stories, we not only empower ourselves but also inspire and uplift others along the way.
P.S. — It’s Covet Season
In the Infamous Mothers Universe (IMverse), we're fully immersed in the transformative Covet season. This is the phase where extraordinary women in our world wholeheartedly dedicate themselves to becoming the versions of themselves that once seemed out of reach. During this season, women are achieving their health and wellness goals, increasing their bottom lines, and accomplishing things that were once deemed 'impossible'. Our mission is crystal clear: we exist to inspire, motivate, and educate you as you relentlessly pursue the very dreams you've longed for.
If you want to join us in Covet season, are ready to delve deeper into the enriching content of this series, we have more FREE content to offer:
Subscribe to our blog: Gain access to valuable content that can spark your personal transformation (complete the Weekly Wench form below).
Join our Wanted newsletter: Stay in the loop with the latest resources.
Join our growing Instagram community to connect with kindred spirits. We're here to empower you throughout Covet Season, guiding you to turn your dreams into a vibrant reality.
Photo Credit: Chris Charles
ABOUT THE BLOGGER
Dr. Sagashus Levingston is an author, entrepreneur and PhD holder. She has two fur babies, Maya and Gracie, six children (three boys and three girls), and they all (including her partner) live in Madison, WI. She loves all things business, is committed to reminding moms of their power, and is dedicated to playing her part in closing the wealth gap for people of color and women. She believes that mothering is a practice, like yoga, and she fights daily to manage her chocolate intake. The struggle is real, y’all…and sometimes it’s beautiful.
Follow her on Instagram: @infamous.mothers