W
e all know the pandemic has challenged
people and altered daily routines. I created
this photo essay to highlight the perspectives
and experiences of everyday people, specifically African
Americans: What does their “new normal” look like? I
also wanted to demonstrate how they were able to
persevere. One such person is Maria J. Hackett, 30, a
Brooklyn photographer, dancer and mother of a
daughter, NiNi. Both are featured on the cover.
I asked Maria her thoughts on what the pandemic
has meant for her. “Quarantine opened up an opportu-
nity to live in a way that was more healthy while taking
on much-needed deep healing,” she told me. “It was my
mental and emotional health that began breaking me
down physically. ... I put things to a stop as my health
began to deterio rate. I d ecided I w ill no longer chase
money — but stay true to my art, plan and trust that
things will come together in a healthier way for us. I
focused more on letting my daughter guide us and on
her remaining happy with her activities and social life.”
“Enrolling her in camps and classes like dance and
gymnastics led me to develop a schedule and routine,”
Maria explained, “opening room for me to complete my
first dance residency in my return to exploration of
movement. I made time to share what I know with her
and what she knows with me.”
Jasmine Hamilton of Long Island, 32, talked in
similiar terms. She too became more focused on mental
health and fitness. She told me: “The pandemic has
demonstrated that life is short and valuable, so I’m
more open to creating new experiences.”
Anastassia Whitty is a photographer based in New York.
“Balancing work, family obligations and personal growth was a struggle before covid-19. Now, it’s
an everyday challenge,” says Jasmine Hamilton. “The mounds of stress, anxiety and frustration
can be overwhelming; however, I have remained unwavering and kept moving forward.” She has
started going to a gym to improve her mental and physical health. Previous pages: D ancers in
Central Park in New York.68 NOVEMBER 28, 2021 THE WASHINGTON POST MAGAZINE 69