This section is titled Purple Reign for a few reasons…
First, it is a nod to Alice Walker because it centers Black women aka womanism…It is also a nod to Carmen Kynard, who provided scholarship of Black women that is usually excluded, disregarded, marginalized, or minimized. The plethora of literature and the authors that I have been introduced to now reign over the western canon that I was required to engage with for my professional “growth.” The works are not exclusively of Black women scholars, but they provide insight and wisdom that I could not have gotten anywhere else. Their truths, research, passions and insights have made me rediscover, reimagine myself and my community. Carmen provided a body of work that bleeds, sweats and cries for my survival. Thank you CK for carrying the fire that lit the torch of many!
Secondly, purple is also the color that the muse of my dissertation, Principal Dr. Nadia Lopez chose to represent her school. She chose it to connect her students to their great past and the promise of their futures.
Third, there is the purple “heart-shaped herb” of Wakanda that connects the past to the present. When I think of this herb and its’ powers, I think of my grandmother, whom I dedicate my degree to because she loved flowers, gives me strength and always tried to protect me, even now.
Last but not least, the term plays on Prince and The Revolution’s “Purple Rain,” you know when it’s the “end of the world” but new beginnings are on the horizon?
Honey, I know, I know, I know times are changing
It’s time we all reach out for something new, that means you too
You say you want a leader
But you can’t seem to make up your mind
I think you better close it and let me guide you to the purple rain…
kashema 