The year 2020 was difficult. Despite its many challenges, author, influencer, and mentor Erica Sandford made the most of it.
An advocate for authenticity, transparency, and personal fulfillment, Erica wowed readers with her books Kick The Box: Picking Purpose Over Popularity and Kick The Box Vol. 2: Confessions of a Happily Single Woman. A role model for healthy living and sharing inspiring advice, her audience found proper nourishment in her uplifting words.
The founder and executive director of Purpose Over Popularity Program, Erica uses her voice to speak out about issues that affect society, her immediate community, and young women while helping them discover who and what they really are.
Erica shared some of her time with us by answering THIS questionnaire about her life in 2020 and what to expect from her in 2021.
How would you summarize 2020?
2020 was an experience that forcibly positioned us all to be still and sit with thoughts and emotions that day-to-day life typically helps us avoid. While it was overwhelming, it was necessary, and I give thanks for what it allowed me to see within myself.
Which of your blessings would you say was the biggest?
This year I was blessed with physical, mental, and spiritual health. Considering what I witnessed my community and country go through during this pandemic, I was blessed in an incredible way that I don’t take for granted.
Did you read any good books that you would recommend to others?
I read Zora Neale Hurston’s Barracoon: The Story of the Last “Black Cargo”. If you haven’t yet read it, I strongly encourage you to order it today, or soon, as we are continuing to focus on our country’s racial divide and the consequences of slavery.
What was the best song of the year?
In my opinion, the best song I heard in 2020 was “Hiatus” by King Sis.
What were the movies or television shows that you couldn’t stop watching?
I was more than thrilled to learn that the sitcom Girlfriends would be airing on Netflix and I committed to watching all one hundred and seventy-two episodes when it aired. I’m still waiting for them to give us an appropriate finale season where we see Joan and Toni in the same room one last time.
I also would like to take this time and say that Lovecraft Country on HBO rocked my entire world in the best way.
Who were the artists you listened to the most?
I listened to Erykah Badu, Lianne La Havas, and Common; his new album A Beautiful Revolution: Pt 1 was so timely and healing.
What did you Google the most?
I googled “COVID-19 Symptoms”… a lot.
Tell us the most surprising thing you heard all year.
The most surprising, more so frustrating, thing I heard throughout 2020 was that “Allyship Fatigue” was a thing.
Where were you when you learned about COVID-19 and how did you respond?
I don’t exactly remember where I was when I first learned about COVID-19 because I’m pretty sure it was via several news articles or something of the sort, but I do remember being very concerned about how a widespread case of this virus would affect my mentorship program that had just recently gained a lot of momentum and support from my community.
How were you helped and hurt by the pandemic?
I was helped by the pandemic because I was allotted the time to strengthen my mental health practices and during the pandemic is when I committed to transitioning to plant-based living which has made a significant impact on my day-to-day life.
I wouldn’t say I was personally hurt by the pandemic. Did the pandemic cause inconveniences and disrupt everything I envisioned 2020 to be? Yes. But I was able to live through this year’s uncertainties with my health, my tribe, and a sound mind. I would consider that a blessing rather than a hindrance.
Did you vote?
Yes, it’s one of many ways I choose to honor the work of my ancestors.
Did 2020 cause you to value your life and the lives of others more than you did already?
2020 helped me to value my life and the lives of others more because of its constant reminder that our time here earthside is limited and the only thing that is certain is death.
While that may seem daunting to others, it helped me in a profound way.
In the words of my favorite writer and forward thinker, James Baldwin, “You have to trust life. The only way to live is to know you’re going to die. If you’re afraid to die, you’ll never be able to live.”
What can we expect from you here in 2021?
You can expect me to go public with my non-profit organization, The Purpose Over Popularity Program, that helps girls of color align their personal values with their definition of success to achieve a sense of meaning and wellbeing by cultivating positive ethnic identity that interrupts cycles of social issues such as racial discrimination, gender inequality and poverty. |THIS.
[By Mr. Joe Walker]
