A college graduate, successful entrepreneur and thriving in the financial sector, Elsya Watkins also has set an intention of writing a science fiction novel. Smart and creative, Watkins' brings it all to the table. When asked to recall when she last felt joy she shared she finds it everyday. She believes joy can be created by action. Attributing much of her happiness to the plans and goals she has set for herself and her family.
Some of Watkins' proudest moments are wrapped in motherhood. She has two sons Je'kobe and Jeremiah. A cherished item she brought along with her is a lovely flowered crown. It was made for her to wear at her second son's baby shower and she has kept it as a reminder of her place in her boys life as their Queen. The crown is also a reminder to Watkins of how beautiful motherhood is. That the ultimate joy of motherhood outweighs any and all struggle. The latest excitement in the Watkins household is a new chihuahua puppy (quarantine puppy). Watkins feels animals can de escalate life stressors and bring true happiness to one’s life.
While talking about outside influences during 2020, we discussed Black Lives Matter, to which Watkins replied how proud she was of the movement.
“I guess what I'm proud of with the movement is the massive amount of people that it brought out, the conversations that are allowing voices and feelings and emotions to be heard and respected.” She adds that from the battle in the streets to policy changes and police accountability, all things must work together to provide real change.
“The Black Lives movement cannot take a day off because there's not a day off of people being killed.” Watkins adds regarding the tireless commitment of the protests.
Watkins knows that inequality is a lifelong experience she and children will experience. "Blackness is admired and monetized to us, just not by us. The power at hand regulates the pure essence of our Blackness and confides it <essence> as being weak or strong, too soft or loud. These societal cues are subliminal or outright blunt instructionals on how to live while being Black."
“Living in Portland, Oregon I am aware of my surroundings at all times. I am forced to by the sheer amount of people who do not look like me. I'm not just a young woman, but a Black woman, a mother and I don't have the courtesy of just being.”
“I don't think that other races or white people have to be as aware of themselves all the time. I am a naturally happy person, I am a thoughtful person and sometimes quiet.”
“A Black person in corporate office can't just be quiet, hardworking and soft spoken because it causes others to assume you may have an attitude or that you are standoffish. So I always have to greet my co-workers or manager first, always show a smile and be ready to speak for every Black person in all of the world at any time and in such a sensitive way, it does not offend anyone in ear shot.”
"My Dad Clarence Gene Watkins,was a great man, father, son, and brother. I have always been very proud of his sacrifice and service. I felt blessed he made it back alive. Because of his service, this America is my America too. "
Even with all her caution, Watkins has had recent incidents that show much of what the problem is on a daily basis. Shopping at a grocery store and waiting in line seems like a relatively easy and uneventful task. But even something this mundane can turn on a Black person.
While waiting in line at a store with her cart, Watkins stepped back from her basket briefly to look at something, when an elderly white woman cut in front of her and started to unload her items on the conveyor belt. The white woman turned around to Watkins and said, “Oh you're not gonna beat me up are you?” Now all eyes are on Watkins: the man at the counter finishing up with his transaction, the woman who cut in front of her, even the cashier. Watkins: “I'm just standing there then he's looking at me like are you gonna give this white lady some trouble?” “Well, I didn't plan on getting into any arguments or fights today." She's like, oh okay, okay because you know, I don't want you to beat me up and I said "No, it was fine, you have a few things. I’m more than happy to let you go ahead.”
This exchange made Watkins feel small and targeted. Knowing that the elderly white woman wrapped together every stereotypical fear she had about Black people and projected them on to Watkins. “I felt embarrassed but I also felt like she was also being her normal superior self and she wanted to test me to see if I was civilized to not act a fool, how she assumed all Black women act.”
“I wanted to get that power back, you know. It just kind of always feels like Black people are on the defense of all of this passive or overly aggressive racism. We are always aware of it. I'm aware of it when I turn on my TV and there's no Black people in the show or in the commercials. When I take my dog for a walk and random people are walking up to me or shouting out their car windows: "Black Lives Matter!"
“I would just say to all of Black women or to Black people, I love us! Don't take the bait! Protect yourself and your families by any means necessary. Vote because our enslaved ancestors died for the right to be a part of the democratic process. It’s time to Turn Up our Blackness!!”
Interview & story by Jennifer Randall
Editing: Calcio Rose
Photographs taken by Shawnalee Anderton
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