Courtney Patterson-Faye
Tell us who or what inspired your research and/or work.
I situate myself among a community of Black people, especially Black women and queer folks, who are deeply entrenched in wanting to live the best life that they can. My family (both given and chosen), colleagues, students, collaborators, and various people with whom I have interacted with over the last couple of decades have lit an immense fire within me to seek out and carve space for our truths. I consider it my duty and honor to center the complexity of Black womxn’s social, political, and cultural lives in my research, teaching, and life’s work overall.
Tell us about a current achievement or something you're working on that excites you.
My first book! I can not wait to share it with my loved ones and the entire world :) To labor at something so near and dear to my heart has shown me that my purpose is not in the labor, but in my sharing it with anyone who wants to engage with my ideas.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
You can make all the plans you want, but the supreme plan does not belong to you. Go with the flow...