Black Feminism and Intersectionality

Historical Context

• Black women's stories have historically been overlooked in history books and news headlines.
• Despite this, they have always played a central role in the struggle for freedom and equality.

The 1970s: A Pivotal Decade

• The 1970s was crucial for contemporary black feminism.
• African American women highlighted the "double burden" of being black and female.
• Black feminism centers around black women and girls being central to stories of liberation.
• Emphasis on self-liberation: "The only people who care enough about our liberation to fight for us is us."

Influential Figures and Literature

• Angela Davis, Alice Walker, and Toni Morrison:
  • Key writers who addressed gender within the context of race.
  • Their work brought global attention to the experiences and concerns of black women.

Intersectionality

• Kimberly Crenshaw:
  • Introduced the term "intersectionality" in 1989.
  • Encouraged addressing the overlapping aspects of identity: race, gender, etc.
  • Intersectionality considers varied experiences and aims to create inclusive policies and movements.
• Added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2015.

Influence on Modern Movements

• Intersectionality influences political actions today:
  • Black Lives Matter
  • Me Too Movement
• Modern black feminists continue to focus on intersections of race, gender, sexual orientation, and class.

Conclusion

• The ongoing work of black feminists ensures the voices of black women remain at the forefront in struggles for equality and justice.