"Full of Myself" Book Club - Class of 2027 (+2 points)

 

During the past fall, my mom, sister, and I participated in a book club where we read "Full of Myself" by Austin Channing Brown. Every Sunday, we gathered to discuss the book, answer thoughtful questions, and explore how the themes applied to our lives. "Full of Myself" explores womanhood, self-possession, and living as one's full self while navigating a world that is hostile for black women. While reading the book, I found that I was privileged to not resonate much with what Channing Brown detailed. I do not believe I have experienced blatant racism or hidden micro aggressions while growing up, I always felt appreciated and respected by my white peers. Honestly, coming to Spelman opened my eyes to the racism that does exist in the world. In the book however, Austin could recount numerous times where she did not get opportunities, was excluded from important conversations in the workplace, and questioned her worth because of her race. The book gave me things to look for to identify racism in the future. Channing Brown's chapters were called things such as "I love myself when I am" awkward, angry, sad, etc. The overwhelming reminder was to love oneself through the hardships and everyday awkwardness of life. 

Lindsey Sanders