erica kennedy was my hero. i didn't know it until she was gone. she wasn't one of the big, well-known literary giants like toni, maya or sonia. even so, i began to take note of her career after graduating college. she wrote for some of my favorite magazines like honey and vibe while also doing public relations and branding work for huge businesses (tommy hilfiger etc). eventually, she wrote a book, a novel, just like i had always dreamed of doing. i remember going to a reading of hers at a soho barnes & nobles, probably to draw some inspiration for myself. erica appeared in my life again as i entered the blogosphere. she had her own blog called the feminista files. besides the fresh and critical analysis of pop culture, what i loved most was her definition of a 'feminista.' to her ( & me)it meant being 'a modern woman who is making her own choices, whether it’s wearing a short skirt and red lipstick to the office (perhaps one that she runs) or staying home to raise babies.” “Being a feminista...is about tapping into our unique female attributes and living authentically instead of defining ourselves by male standards of success.” that brand of feminism spoke to me...and so did erica.
erica eventually completed a second novel where the protagonist represented all of her feminista ideals. sadly, erica kennedy passed away in 2012. i'm grateful for the lessons she taught us and for the inspiration she continues to be for me.
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