In June 2017, something or another came up, and we spent some time exchanging texts messages. At one point, I asked her about retirement: And so you're really done with the academy just like that? No more articles and ish? That must be nice. Or is it?
She took a brief moment and then responded:
“It works for me, Howard. I’ve been trying to work on a novel, or novels—but truth be told, I was the oldest daughter of eight siblings who took care of the household from a fairly early age, had two kids as a single mom, worked 23 years, nursed my mom as she was dying, retired to finish undergrad, then grad school, then 16 more years working in a racist American institution, and so I figured I had earned a few years of sitting on my ass doing nothing. It’s been one year. If I get the novel done I will send u the manuscript and ask for reading!!She certainly did earn it. I was so pleased that she was getting to take it easy and spend time with friends and family. I was excited too listen as she shared ideas about her novel. That was our Lovalerie.
Part 1: Starting at Penn State: Lovalerie King
Related:
• Lovalerie King in context
• A Notebook on Lovalerie King
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