The Longest Shift: Believing, Becoming, Belonging

The Longest Shift: Believing, Becoming, Belonging is a gripping memoir that follows one Black woman's journey from the Brooklyn projects to the frontlines of academic medicine. Dr. Keya Locke tells a story of resilience, having overcome poverty, heartbreak, and trauma in a journey of faith, fierce ambition, and the relentless pursuit of belonging. With captivating authenticity, Dr. Locke allows readers a look at the private battles behind her public achievements: enduring childhood abuse, parenting through adversity, shattering barriers in higher education, and navigating the unique challenges of being "the only one" in predominantly white, male spaces. This rich narrative doesn't shy away from the complexities of race, identity, and womanhood in America. It challenges the myth of the "unlikely story," illuminating the everyday heroism in survival, and the courage it takes to finally strip off one's armor and claim joy. If you've ever strived for more when the world counted you out, if you've ever needed proof that you are not alone-the evidence is here. Walk with Dr. Locke through The Longest Shift: A Story of Believing, Becoming, and Belonging.