Rest as Resistance: Reflections From TBR Live
On Feb. 18, 2025, history was made at Spelman College as The Blue Record hosted its inaugural live podcast, a powerful dialogue between ra malika imhotep, PhD, podcast director Alexandra Nelson (Spelman C '25), and co-hosts Kyla Emory (Spelman C '26) and Jocelyn Baker (Spelman C '27). The evening featured conversations regarding some of the most pressing issues of our time, including Black feminist thought, activism, and self-care as resistance. The exploration of these topics created a vulnerable space for reflection, connection, and community.
The conversation began with a grounding moment led by the Director of the Spelman Social Justice Program, Dr. Cynthia Neal Spence. She shared Audre Lorde’s poignant quote from A Burst of Light: "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." The room reverberated with this truth, as imhotep, PhD invited the audience to participate in a Black Feminist Breathing Chorus, grounding themselves in collective breaths and reaffirming the power of self-preservation in the fight for justice.
imhotep, PhD, a Black feminist scholar, artist, and educator, shared their journey of returning to Spelman after being on medical leave. They reflected on their initial sense of isolation from the institution, feeling disconnected from the ideal of the "Spelman woman." Yet, at that moment, ra felt their return was “ancestrally ordained,” and the event took on a cosmic significance, occurring on the birthdays of Audre Lorde and Toni Morrison, two towering figures whose legacies continue to shape Black feminist thought.
A central theme of the evening was rest as a form of resistance. This is a powerful idea, especially considering Spelman's intense academic culture. The panelists discussed the importance of activism balanced with self-care, with Baker emphasizing the necessity of joy and community-building amidst the grind, while Emory urged taking time to recharge. imhotep, PhD posed the thought-provoking question: “What are we letting rest, and what are we letting resist?” They framed rest and resistance as a dance, urging the audience to reflect on what must be allowed to rest to show up fully in the work that demands our attention.
The conversation also dove into “weathering,” - the toll that resistance takes on the body and spirit. Baker shared her belief in the need to leave the weight of institutional expectations at the gates, while Nelson spoke to the importance of living outside Spelman’s shadow, moving off of campus and truly engaging with the West End to create a deeper sense of self. imhotep, PhD urged the audience to reflect on the change they want to make, both in their own lives and in the broader community, asking, “What is the change I’m being asked to make by Spelman, and what is the change I want to make?”
In discussing the need for a Black Studies Department at Spelman, imhotep, PhD passionately argued that the West End should not be seen only through an economic lens but as a rich cultural hub worthy of academic exploration. They echoed the historic demands of Atlanta University Center (AUC) students in 1968, calling for an education that reflects their communities, cultures, and histories, emphasizing the importance of including Black, queer, and disability studies within the institution.
The evening also highlighted accessibility issues at Spelman, with panelists stressing the need for more inclusive practices that support students, regardless of ability. This discussion resonated with many students, who were encouraged to push for a Spelman that truly serves all members of its community.
During the Q&A, students raised powerful questions about self-discovery and purpose. imhotep, PhD emphasized the importance of returning to the “why” behind one's work and taking time to explore different paths, while Baker reminded the audience that “Nothing is a backstep, just a pivot.” This reframing of setbacks as opportunities for growth struck a chord with the audience, offering a sense of freedom from the pressures of perfection. As the conversation deepened, the focus shifted to how these principles can apply to activism, particularly when navigating the complexities of staying true to one’s values in a capitalistic society. Laila Johnson (Spelman C '27) raised a question about maintaining an anti-capitalist approach to activism. imhotep, PhD emphasized the importance of understanding the capitalist impulses that may arise and preparing to combat them as they emerge.
imhotep, PhD and former student Laila Brown (Spelman C '26) reunited in embrace while Brown posed the question of reflecting on the duality of Black life in the South—navigating both oppression and a vibrant community. imhotep, PhD’s reminder, “Our lives are proof that our ancestors chose to be alive and chose to support life,” encapsulated the resilience of Black Southerners, whose ability to find joy amid hardship is a profound act of defiance.
The conversation between imhotep, PhD and Denim Fisher (Spelman C '28) about divesting from the pressures of institutional validation was particularly powerful. Fisher shared a quote from Toni Cade Bambara, “Keep the focus on the action, not the institution; don’t confuse the vehicle with the objective; all cocoons are temporary and disappear.” This sentiment resonated deeply, reinforcing the message that one’s purpose and work should be driven by the heart, not external validation. imhotep, PhD echoed this, advising, “Let your determination of what your work is be guided by your heart, more than your career-driven impulses. You’ll find your way back to service.”
In closing, imhotep, PhD shared a reminder from Alice Walker, “Whatever’s mine is looking for me.” This encapsulated the evening’s essence, providing a deep reflection on how our paths unfold when we follow our true purpose, rather than the expectations placed upon us. Students, such as Sophia Wade (Spelman C '28), expressed the profound impact of the evening, “The event was super thought-provoking and healing. I think that self-preservation is extremely important for Black women, especially during times like these.”
The event itself became a space of collective healing, reminding everyone that true liberation requires honoring both our individual and collective selves in the ongoing struggle for justice. For further insight into imhotep, PhD’s work, their poetry book Gossypiin: Poems explores the plant medicine of Cotton Root Bark, used by enslaved Black women, and delves into a tapestry of stories, secrets, and histories, reminding us of the importance of remembering, reimagining, and healing.
Makayla Rivera
Role: Editorial Intern
