My discovery of poet Elizabeth Acevedo was an important one for me, as she is the first female poet whose work I have truly loved outside of a high school classroom. I first listened to her poem “Hair” where she discusses discriminatory beauty standards, specifically the idea that “good hair” is straight hair, but my favourite poem of hers has to be “Spear”.
She makes poetry for women, about women with the focus on empowering women, so I was completely delighted when she agreed to talk with me about how her views on womanhood can be translated to encouraging health and improving fitness.
I WATCHED A TED TALK OF YOURS WHERE YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH RUNNING. HAVE YOU ALWAYS RUN? IS THIS THE ONLY SPORT YOU DO?
I have not always run! I began running to get back in shape after realising that I’d spent over a year and half pretty much sedentary and it was affecting my health. Preparing for a race was a great incentive to figure out just how powerful my body was. I did play sports all through middle school and college. Basketball was my jam!
DO YOU LISTEN TO ANYTHING WHEN YOU RUN? ANY MUSIC OR POETRY?
I mainly listen to Kanye West and Jay Z, although sometimes I need a motivation speech and I have those ready for the really tough runs.
WHY DO YOU BELIEVE IT IS IMPORTANT FOR WOMEN TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR HEALTH AND THEIR FITNESS?
I think it’s important for us to connect with the power our body has. It’s ability to move and sweat and work even when our mind tells us it can’t. I always feel incredibly grateful and proud of this body after it’s done an hour of Zumba or a tough run and that reminder that our body is precious and works hard for us is one that helps on the days that I don’t feel good about my weight or when I’m feeling insecure.
(All Def Poetry/YouTube)
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED?
It’s hard. Motivation is the toughest part for me but I’m just trying to take it day by day. Every morning I tell myself I will be awesome and I will do 20 minutes of something to connect me to my body. Yoga, Zumba, a quick run or just running up the stairs in my house but something that is totally focused on my body.
I HAVE A FRIEND WHO NEVER LEARNED TO SWIM BECAUSE OF HER CURLY HAIR. I LOVE YOUR POEM ‘HAIR’, SO I WONDERED HAS YOUR HAIR EVER PREVENTED YOU FROM TAKING PART IN SPORT BEFORE?
I used to hate getting my hair straightened during basketball season because I would sweat it out within a couple of days and it was a waste of money and time. Now that I don’t straighten my hair anymore it’s not so much a problem and I love it!
