Lecture Notes: Intersectionality and Social Justice

Introduction

• The lecture begins with an interactive exercise to test awareness of police violence victims.
• Names of African-American individuals killed by police are mentioned, revealing a lack of recognition, especially for women.
• The exercise highlights gender as a distinguishing factor in recognition.

Awareness and Recognition

• High awareness of police violence against African-Americans, but low recognition of female victims.
• This pattern is consistent across various audiences, including civil rights groups and Congress members.

Communication and Framing

• Lack of awareness attributed to absence of frames for understanding violence against black women.
• Frames shape the way people perceive and acknowledge social issues.
• Without appropriate frames, victims' stories are overlooked in media and political discourse.

Intersectionality

• Concept introduced to address overlapping social justice issues, such as racism and sexism.
• Originated from the case of Emma DeGraffenreid, who faced dual discrimination as a black woman.
• Court's legal framework could not accommodate intersectionality, leading to dismissal of her case.
• Intersectionality explains unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, including race, gender, and other social dynamics.

Police Violence Against Black Women

• Black women experience significant violence from police, often without public attention.
• Victims span a wide age range and encounter violence in various contexts (home, streets, etc.).
• Methods of violence include shooting, stomping, suffocation, and more.
• Their stories often lack media coverage and communal advocacy compared to male counterparts.

Call to Action

• "Say Her Name" initiative launched to increase awareness of violence against black women.
• Encourages public acknowledgment and remembrance of female victims at events and discussions.
• Emphasizes the need for more than just recognition; action and transformation are necessary.
• Collective responsibility to bring these issues to light and drive social change.

Conclusion

• Ending the lecture with an appeal to move from mourning to action, urging listeners to commit to change.
• Audience participates in honoring the names of black women victims, reinforcing the message of awareness and advocacy.

Reflection

• The lecture underscores the importance of addressing intersectionality in social justice matters.
• Highlights the gap between recognition and action regarding violence against marginalized groups, particularly black women.
• Advocates for expanding frames of understanding and taking concrete steps towards equality.